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A. Zichichi

Publications and source records attributed to A. Zichichi.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

The Time of Flight System of the AMS-02 Space Experiment

The Time-of-Flight (TOF) system of the AMS detector gives the fast trigger to the read out electronics and measures velocity, direction and charge of the crossing particles. The new version of the detector (called AMS-02) will be installed on the International Space Station on March 2004. The fringing field of the AMS-02 superconducting magnet is $1.0\div2.5$ kG where the photomultiplers (PM) are installed. In order to be able to operate with this residual field, a new type of PM was chosen and the mechanical design was constrained by requiring to minimize the angle between the magnetic field vector and the PM axis. Due to strong field and to the curved light guides, the time resolution will be $150\div180$ ps, while the new electronics will allow for a better charge measurement.

hep-ex↗

The AMS-01 Time of Flight System

The Time-of-Flight (TOF) system of the AMS detector gives the fast trigger to the read out electronics and measures velocity, direction and charge of the crossing particles. The first version of the detector (called AMS-01) has flown in 1998 aboard of the shuttle Discovery for a 10 days test mission, and collected about $10^8$ events. The new version (called AMS-02) will be installed on the International Space Station on March 2004 and will operate for at least three years, collecting roughly $10^{10}$ Cosmic Rays (CR) particles. The TOF system of AMS-01 successfully operated during the test mission, obtaining a trigger efficiency better than 99.9% and a time resolution of 120 ps for protons and better for other CR ions. In addition, the TOF system was able to separate protons from all the other CR nuclei within 1% and to distinguish between downward and upward crossing particles within at most $10^{-8}$.

astro-ph↗

The AMS Time of Flight System

The Time of Flight (TOF) system of the AMS experiment provides the fast trigger to the detector and measures the crossing particle direction, velocity and charge. AMS was operated aboard of the shuttle Discovery on June 1998 (NASA STS-91 mission) and will be upgraded and installed on the International Space Station at the end of 2003, for 3 years of data taking. The performances of the TOF during the precursor flight and modifications needed in the final version of the detector are presented.

hep-ex↗

Light-Gravitino Production at Hadron Colliders

We consider the production of gravitinos ($\widetilde G$) in association with gluinos ($\tilde g$) or squarks ($\tilde q$) at hadron colliders, including the three main sub-processes: $q \bar q -> \tilde g\widetilde G$, $qg -> \tilde q\widetilde G$, and $gg -> \tilde g\widetilde G$. These channels become enhanced to the point of being observable for sufficiently light gravitino masses ($m_{\widetilde G} < 10^{-4} eV$), as motivated by some supersymmetric explanations of the CDF $eeγγ+ E_{T,miss}$ event. The characteristic signal of such events would be monojets, as opposed to dijets obtained in the more traditional supersymmetric process $p \bar p -> \tilde g\tilde g$. Searches for such events at the Tevatron can impose lower limits on the gravitino mass. In the Appendix, we provide a complete set of Feynman rules for gravitino interactions used in our calculation.

hep-ph↗

Single-photon signals at LEP in supersymmetric models with a light gravitino

We study the single-photon signals expected at LEP in models with a very light gravitino. The dominant process is neutralino-gravitino production (e+e- -> chi+ G) with subsequent neutralino decay via chi->gamma+G, giving a gamma+E_miss signal. We first calculate the cross section at arbitrary center-of-mass energies and provide new analytic expressions for the differential cross section valid for general neutralino compositions. We then consider the constraints on the gravitino mass from LEP 1 and LEP161 single-photon searches, and possible such searches at the Tevatron. We show that it is possible to evade the stringent LEP 1 limits and still obtain an observable rate at LEP 2, in particular in the region of parameter space that may explain the CDF e+e+gamma+gamma+E_T,miss event. As diphoton events from neutralino pair-production would not be kinematically accessible in this scenario, the observation of whichever photonic signal will discriminate among the various light-gravitino scenarios in the literature. We also perform a Monte Carlo simulation of the expected energy and angular distributions of the emitted photon, and of the missing invariant mass expected in the events. Finally we specialize the results to the case of a recently proposed one-parameter no-scale supergravity model.

hep-ph↗

Supersymmetric photonic signals at LEP

We explore and contrast the single-photon and diphoton signals expected at LEP 2, that arise from neutralino-gravitino (e^+ e^- -> chi + gravitino -> gamma + E_miss) and neutralino-neutralino (e^+ e^- -> chi + chi -> gamma + gamma + E_miss) production in supersymmetric models with a light gravitino. LEP 1 limits imply that one may observe either one, but not both, of these signals at LEP 2, depending on the values of the neutralino and gravitino masses: single-photons for m_chi > Mz and m_gravitino < 3 x 10^-5 eV; diphotons for m_chi < Mz and all allowed values of m_gravitino.

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No-scale supergravity confronts LEP diphoton events

We examine the possibility that some anomalous acoplanar diphoton events observed at LEP may be consistent with the predictions of our previously proposed one-parameter no-scale supergravity model with a light gravitino, via the process e^+e^- -> chi chi -> gamma gamma+E_miss. We find that one such event may indeed be consistent with the model predictions for m_chi \approx (60-70) GeV. This region of parameter space is also consistent with the selectron and chargino interpretations of the CDF ee gamma gamma + E_T,miss event.

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Experimental constraints on a stringy SU(5)$\times$U(1) model

We re-examine the phenomenological aspects of a recently proposed string-derived SU(5)$\times$U(1) one-parameter supergravity model, and explore the sensitivity of the model predictions to variations in the strong coupling and the string unification scale. We also perform an analysis of the constraints on the parameter space of the model in light of the recent Tevatron trilepton data and the LEP~1.5 chargino and slepton data. We obtain $m_{χ^\pm_1}\gsim70\GeV$, which excludes one-third of the parameter space of the model. The remainder of the parameter space should be probed by ongoing analyses of the Tevatron trilepton data and forthcoming LEP~2 runs.

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A string no-scale supergravity model and its experimental consequences

We propose a string-derived model based on the gauge group $SU(5)\times U(1)$ which satisfies the stringent constraints from no-scale supergravity, allows gauge coupling unification at the string scale, and entails previously unexplored correlations among various sectors of the model. All supersymmetric observables are given in terms of a single mass parameter with self-consistency of the model determining the rest, including $\tanβ=2.2-2.3$ and $m_t\approx175\GeV$. A small non-universality of the scalar masses at the string scale produces a downward shift in the right-handed slepton masses at the electroweak scale, such that for $m_{1/2}\gsim180\GeV$ these particles become lighter than the lightest neutralino. This cutoff in the parameter space entails the imminent discovery of charginos at the Tevatron via trilepton events ($m_{χ^\pm_1}<90\GeV$). Also, the lightest Higgs boson ($m_h<90\GeV$), the lightest chargino, and the right-handed sleptons ($m_{\tilde\ell_R}<50\GeV$) should be readily observable at LEPII. We also discuss the model predictions for $B(b\to sγ)$, $(g-2)_μ$, $R_b$, and the prospects for direct neutralino dark matter detection.

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Supersymmetry dileptons and trileptons at the Tevatron

We consider the production of supersymmetry neutralinos and charginos in $p\bar p$ collisions at the Tevatron, and their subsequent decay via hadronically quiet dileptons and trileptons. We perform our computations in the context of a variety of supergravity models, including generic four-parameter supergravity models, the minimal $SU(5)$ supergravity model, and $SU(5)\times U(1)$ supergravity with string inspired two- and one-parameter moduli and dilaton scenarios. Our results are contrasted with estimated experimental sensitivities for dileptons and trileptons for integrated luminosities of $100\ipb$ and $1\ifb$, which should be available in the short and long terms. We find that the dilepton mode is a needed complement to the trilepton signal when the latter is suppressed by small neutralino leptonic branching ratios. The estimated reaches in chargino masses can be as large as $100\,(150)\GeV$ for $100\ipb\,(1\ifb)$. We also discuss the task left for LEPII once the Tevatron has completed its short-term search for dilepton and trilepton production.

hep-ph↗

New phenomena in the standard no-scale supergravity model

We revisit the no-scale mechanism in the context of the simplest no-scale supergravity extension of the Standard Model. This model has the usual five-dimensional parameter space plus an additional parameter $ξ_{3/2}\equiv m_{3/2}/m_{1/2}$. We show how predictions of the model may be extracted over the whole parameter space. A necessary condition for the potential to be stable is ${\rm Str}{\cal M}^4>0$, which is satisfied if $\bf m_{3/2}\lsim2 m_{\tilde q}$. Order of magnitude calculations reveal a no-lose theorem guaranteeing interesting and potentially observable new phenomena in the neutral scalar sector of the theory which would constitute a ``smoking gun'' of the no-scale mechanism. This new phenomenology is model-independent and divides into three scenarios, depending on the ratio of the weak scale to the vev at the minimum of the no-scale direction. We also calculate the residual vacuum energy at the unification scale ($C_0\, m^4_{3/2}$), and find that in typical models one must require $C_0>10$. Such constraints should be important in the search for the correct string no-scale supergravity model. We also show how specific classes of string models fit within this framework.

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Experimental consequences of one-parameter no-scale supergravity models

We consider the experimental predictions of two {\em one-parameter} no-scale $SU(5)\times U(1)$ supergravity models with string-inspired moduli and dilaton seeds of supersymmetry breaking. These predictions have been considerably sharpened with the new information on the top-quark mass from the Tevatron, and the actual measurement of the $B(b\to sγ)$ branching ratio from CLEO. In particular, the sign of the Higgs mixing parameter $μ$ is fixed. A more precise measurement of the top-quark mass above (below) $\approx160\GeV$ would disfavor the dilaton (moduli) scenario. Similarly a measurement of the lightest Higgs-boson mass above 90 GeV (below 100 GeV) would disfavor the dilaton (moduli) scenario. At the Tevatron with $100\ipb$, the reach into parameter space is significant only in the dilaton scenario ($m_{χ^\pm_1}\lsim80\GeV$) via the trilepton and top-squark signals. At LEPII the dilaton scenario could be probed up the kinematical limit via chargino and top-squark pair production, and the discovery of the lightest Higgs boson is guaranteed. In the moduli scenario only selectron pair production looks promising. We also calculate the supersymmetric contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon.

hep-ph↗

New constraints on supergravity models from $b\to sγ$

We perform a detailed study of the constraints from $b\to sγ$ on a large class of supergravity models, including generic four-parameter supergravity models, the minimal $SU(5)$ supergravity model, and $SU(5)\times U(1)$ supergravity. For each point in the parameter spaces of these models we obtain a range of $B(b\to sγ)$ values which should conservatively account for the unknown next-to-leading-order QCD corrections. We then classify these points into three categories: ``excluded" points have ranges of $B(b\to sγ)$ which do not overlap with the experimentally allowed range, ``preferred" points have $B(b\to sγ)$ ranges which overlap with the Standard Model prediction, and ``Ok" points are neither ``excluded" nor ``preferred" but may become ``excluded" should new CLEO data be consistent with the Standard Model prediction. In {\em all} cases we observe a strong tendency for the ``preferred" points towards one sign of the Higgs mixing parameter $μ$. For the opposite sign of $μ$ there is an upper bound on $\tanβ$: $\tanβ\lsim25$ in general, and $\tanβ\lsim6$ for the ``preferred" points. We conclude that new CLEO data will provide a decisive test of supergravity models.

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A light stop and its consequences at the Tevatron and LEPII

An interesting prediction of a string-inspired {\em one-parameter} $SU(5)\times U(1)$ supergravity model, is the fact that the lightest member ($\tilde t_1$) of the top-squark doublet $(\tilde t_1,\tilde t_2)$, may be substantially lighter than the top quark. This sparticle ($\tilde t_1$) may be readily pair-produced at the Tevatron and, if $m_{\tilde t_1}\lsim130\GeV$, even be observed at the end of Run IB. Top-squark production may also be an important source of sought-for top-quark signatures in the dilepton and $\ell$+jets channels. Therefore, a re-analysis of the top data sample in the presence of a possibly light top-squark appears necessary before definitive statements concerning the discovery of the top quark can be made. Such a light top-squark is linked with a light supersymmetric spectrum, which can certainly be searched for at the Tevatron through trilepton and squark-gluino searches, and at LEPII through direct $\tilde t_1$ pair-production (for $m_{\tilde t_1}\lsim100\GeV$) and via chargino and Higgs-boson searches.

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Status of the superworld: from theory to experiment

Review to appear in Progress in Particle and Nuclear Physics. Contents: {1}Introduction}{1} {2}High precision LEP data and convergence of couplings: physics is not Euclidean geometry}{2} {3}Interconnections between the measured quantities due to Unification}{7} {4}The origin of $M_{SUSY}$ and why it should be abandoned: masses and spectra are needed}{13} {5}The new step forward: Supergravity}{21} {6}The SU(5) Supergravity Model}{22} {7}SU(5)xU(1) Supergravity}{32} {8}Detailed calculations for the Tevatron}{47} {9}Detailed calculations for LEP}{48} {10}Detailed calculations for HERA}{53} {11}Detailed calculations for Underground Labs and Underwater facilities}{55} {12}Detailed calculations for indirect experimental detection}{65} {13}The problem of mass and $m_t$}{73} {14}Conclusions}{77}

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The top-quark mass in SU(5)xU(1) supergravity

We show that the currently experimentally preferred values of the top-quark mass (\ie, $130\lsim m_t\lsim180\GeV$) are naturally understood in the context of string models, where the top-quark Yukawa coupling at the string scale is generically given by $λ_t={\cal O}(g)$, with $g$ the unified gauge coupling. A detailed study of the Yukawa sector of $SU(5)\times U(1)$ supergravity shows that the ratio of the bottom-quark to tau-lepton Yukawa couplings at the string scale is required to be in the range $0.7\lsimλ_b/λ_τ\lsim1$, depending on the values of $m_t$ and $m_b$. This result is consistent with $SU(5)\times U(1)$ symmetry, which does {\em not} require the equality of these Yukawa couplings in the unbroken symmetry phase of the theory. As a means of possibly predicting the value of $m_t$, we propose a procedure whereby the size of the allowed parameter space is determined as a function of $m_t$, since all sparticle and Higgs-boson masses and couplings depend non-trivially on $m_t$. At present, no significant preference for particular values of $m_t$ in $SU(5)\times U(1)$ supergravity is observed, except that high-precision LEP data requires $m_t\lsim180\GeV$.

hep-ph↗

Experimental aspects of SU(5)xU(1) supergravity

We study various aspects of $SU(5)\times U(1)$ supergravity as they relate to the experimental verification or falsification of this model. We consider two string-inspired, universal, one-parameter, no-scale soft-supersymmetry-breaking scenarios, driven by the $F$-terms of the moduli and dilaton fields. The model is described in terms of the supersymmetry mass scale (\ie, the chargino mass $m_{χ^\pm_1}$), $\tanβ$, and the top-quark mass. We first determine the combined effect on the parameter space of all presently available direct and indirect experimental constraints, including the LEP lower bounds on sparticle and Higgs-boson masses, the $b\to sγ$ rate, the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, the high-precision electroweak parameters $ε_1,ε_b$ (which imply $m_t\lsim180\GeV$), and the muon fluxes in underground detectors (neutrino telescopes). For the still-allowed points in $(m_{χ^\pm_1},\tanβ)$ parameter space, we re-evaluate the experimental situation at the Tevatron, LEPII, and HERA. In the 1994 run, the Tevatron could probe chargino masses as high as 100 GeV. At LEPII the parameter space could be explored with probes of different resolutions: Higgs boson searches, selectron searches, and chargino searches. Moreover, for $m_t\lsim150\GeV$, these Higgs-boson searches could explore all of the allowed parameter space with $\sqrt{s}\lsim210\GeV$.

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