Searching for exotic particles at the LHC with dedicated detectors

Abstract

The LHC will open up a new energy regime where it may be possible to observe physics beyond the Standard Model. Therefore the search for exotic phenomena, such as: magnetic monopoles, massive stable particles; slowly decaying exotic particles; highly penetrating particles; and, free quarks and gluons, will be an important part of the LHC physics program. We propose that the search strategy for exotics planned for the main LHC detectors be extended with modest dedicated experiments designed to enhance the physics reach of the LHC. We shall use two examples to illustrate this thesis. First, a passive, plastic track-etch detector “ball” designed to detect highly ionizing particles and measure their Z/β. Such a detector is currently the subject of a Letter of Intent to the LHCC from the MOEDAL collaboration. Another (active) small acceptance detector - protected by shielding and monitoring an extended decay zone - specifically designed to detect massive stable particles and detect slowly decaying particles, is described. The use of such a detector at the LHC, has recently been proposed.