Indirect Searches For New Physics Research Articles

A Machine Learning approach to the EFT re-interpretation of the WZjj fully leptonic electroweak production

In this paper we study the use of Machine Learning techniques to set constraints on indirect signatures of physics beyond the Standard Model in Vector Boson Scattering (VBS), in the electroweak (EWK) production of self-interacting W ± Z bosons in association with two jets. The WZ fully leptonic channel has been extensively studied by the ATLAS Collaboration at the LHC and we are about to provide results using the full Run 2 data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139fb −1. The EWK production of the WZ in association with two jets has been already observed at 36fb −1 with an observed significance of 5.3 standard deviations. A factor of four increase in the integrated luminosity provides an opportunity to check for deviations from the Standard Model (SM) predictions, in particular for model independent, indirect searches for New Physics. Such searches can be realized in the context of an extension of the SM in terms of an Effective Field Theory (EFT) formalism, providing a way to quantify possible deviations from the Standard Model. The EFT Lagrangian besides the Standard Model terms comprises contributions from higher dimension operators, their effect being determined by the strength of their corresponding parameters (Wilson coefficients scaled to the appropriate power of Λ, indicating the scale of the appearance of New Physics). In this paper an attempt is made to search for New Physics effects in the WZjj production, using state-of-the-art machine learning models where diverse network architectures are effectively combined into ensembles trained on the outcomes of base learners maximizing performance. The base learners are trained to identify pure WZjj signal events originating from the effect of EFT operators, from WZjj background events originating from strong (QCD) or EWK WZjj processes. We investigate the utilization of the ensemble model response in estimating the sensitivity of WZjj events in some of the dimension-8 EFT operators and compare the results to sensitive kinematic variables traditionally used to constrain the EFT operator effects.

Simplified models for Higgs physics: singlet scalar and vector-like quark phenomenology

Simplified models provide a useful tool to conduct the search and exploration of physics beyond the Standard Model in a model-independent fashion. In this work we consider the complementarity of indirect searches for new physics in Higgs couplings and distributions with direct searches for new particles, using a simplified model which includes a new singlet scalar resonance and vector-like fermions that can mix with the SM top-quark. We fit this model to the combined ATLAS and CMS 125 GeV Higgs production and coupling measurements and other precision electroweak constraints, and explore in detail the effects of the new matter content upon Higgs production and kinematics. We highlight some novel features and decay modes of the top partner phenomenology, and discuss prospects for Run II.

Status of indirect searches for New Physics with heavy flavour decays after the initial LHC run

We present a status report on the indirect searches for New Physics performed by means of heavy flavour decays. Particular attention is devoted to the recent experimental results in B and charm physics obtained by the LHC experiments. The implications of these results for physics beyond the Standard Model are discussed both in general terms and by means of a few specific examples.

Renormalization of heavy-light currents in moving nonrelativistic QCD

Heavy-light decays such as $B \to \pi \ell \nu$, $B \to K^{*} \gamma$ and $B \to K^{(*)} \ell \ell$ can be used to constrain the parameters of the Standard Model and in indirect searches for new physics. While the precision of experimental results has improved over the last years this has still to be matched by equally precise theoretical predictions. The calculation of heavy-light form factors is currently carried out in lattice QCD. Due to its small Compton wavelength we discretize the heavy quark in an effective non-relativistic theory. By formulating the theory in a moving frame of reference discretization errors in the final state are reduced at large recoil. Over the last years the formalism has been improved and tested extensively. Systematic uncertainties are reduced by renormalizing the m(oving)NRQCD action and heavy-light decay operators. The theory differs from QCD only for large loop momenta at the order of the lattice cutoff and the calculation can be carried out in perturbation theory as an expansion in the strong coupling constant. In this paper we calculate the one loop corrections to the heavy-light vector and tensor operator. Due to the complexity of the action the generation of lattice Feynman rules is automated and loop integrals are solved by the adaptive Monte Carlo integrator VEGAS. We discuss the infrared and ultraviolet divergences in the loop integrals both in the continuum and on the lattice. The light quarks are discretized in the ASQTad and highly improved staggered quark (HISQ) action; the formalism is easily extended to other quark actions.

Searches for physics beyond the standard model at HERA

This article summarizes the results of searches for new physics beyond the standard model at HERA performed by the ZEUS and H1 experiments. Recent results are presented on direct searches for electron–quark resonant states such as leptoquarks or squarks in R-parity violating SUSY, on indirect searches for new physics leading to eeqq contact interactions and on searches for single top-quark production through anomalous flavour-changing coupling in neutral-current processes. Most of the results shown are based on the full statistics collected before the luminosity upgrade of HERA and some of them were also updated with newer results made available after the workshop.

CP violation and the cathedral builders' paradi3m

Pointing out the profound and unique nature of CP violation, I sketch its basic phenomenology, its CKM prescription and QCD technologies relevant for heavy flavour physics. After emphasizing the paradigmatic character of the establishment of direct CP violation I turn to the future, namely indirect searches for New Physics in electric dipole moments, K μ3 decays and charm transitions on one hand and in beauty decays on the other; these are described as exciting adventures with novel challenges not encountered before.