arXiv subjects

Jenny List

Publications and source records attributed to Jenny List.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2014

Bilinear R Parity Violation at the ILC - Neutrino Physics at Colliders

Supersymmetry (SUSY) with bilinearly broken R parity (bRPV) offers an attractive possibility to explain the origin of neutrino masses and mixings. In such scenarios, the study of neutralino decays at colliders gives access to neutrino sector parameters. The ILC offers a very clean environment to study the neutralino properties as well as its subsequent decays, which typically involve a $W$ or $Z$ boson and a lepton. This study is based on ILC beam parameters according to the Technical Design Report for a center of mass energy of $500\,\mathrm{GeV}$. A full detector simulation of the International Large Detector (ILD) was performed for all Standard Model backgrounds and for $\widetildeχ_1^0$-pair production within a simplified model. The bRPV parameters are fixed according to current neutrino data. In this scenario, the $\widetildeχ_1^0$ mass can be reconstructed with an uncertainty of $δm = (40(\text{stat.}) + 50(\text{syst.}))\,\mathrm{MeV}$ for an integrated luminosity of $500\,\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ from direct $\widetildeχ_1^0$-pair production, thus, to a large extent independently of the rest of the SUSY spectrum. The achievable precision on the atmospheric neutrino mixing angle $\sin^2 θ_{23}$ from measuring the neutralino branching fractions $\mathrm{BR}(\widetildeχ_1^0 \rightarrow W μ)$ and $\mathrm{BR}(\widetildeχ_1^0 \rightarrow W τ)$ at the ILC is better than current uncertainties from neutrino experiments. Thus, the ILC could have the opportunity to unveil the mechanism of neutrino mass generation.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2013

Tackling light higgsinos at the ILC

In supersymmetric extensions of the Standard Model, higgsino-like charginos and neutralinos are preferred to have masses of the order of the electroweak scale by naturalness arguments. Such light $\widetildeχ^0_1$, $\widetildeχ^0_2$ and $\widetildeχ^{\pm}_1$ states can be almost mass degenerate, and their decays are then difficult to observe at colliders. In addition to the generic naturalness argument, light higgsinos are well motivated from a top-down perspective. For instance, they arise naturally in certain models of hybrid gauge-gravity mediation. In the present analysis, we study two benchmark points which have been derived in the framework of such a model, which exhibit mass differences of O(GeV) in the higgsino sector. For chargino pair and neutralino associated production with initial-state photon radiation, we simulate the detector response and determine how accurately the small mass differences, the absolute masses and the cross sections can be measured at the International Linear Collider. Assuming that 500/fb has been collected at each of two beam-polarisations $P(e^+,e^-)=(\pm 30\%,\mp 80\%)$, we find that the mass differences can be measured to 40-300 MeV, the cross sections to 2-5%, and the absolute masses to 1.5-3.3 GeV, where the range of values correspond to the different scenarios and channels. Based on these observables we perform a parameter fit in the MSSM, from which we infer that the higgsino mass parameter $μ$ can be measured to a precision of about $Δμ=$2--7 GeV. For the electroweak gaugino mass parameters $M_1$, $M_2$, which are chosen in the multi-TeV range, a narrow region is compatible with the measurements. For both parameters independently, we can determine a lower bound.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2013

Electroweakino Searches: A Comparative Study for LHC and ILC (A Snowmass White Paper)

We make a systematic and comparative study for the LHC and ILC for the electroweakino searches in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. We adopt a general bottom-up approach and scan over the parameter regions for all the three cases of the lightest supersymmetric particle being Bino-, Wino-, and Higgsino-like. The electroweakino signal from pair production and subsequent decay to Wh (h to b\bar b) final state may yield a sensitivity of 95% C.L. exclusion (5sigma discovery) to the mass scale M_2, mu ~ 250-400 GeV (200-250 GeV) at the 14 TeV LHC with an luminosity of 300 fb^{-1}. Combining with all the other decay channels, the 95% C.L. exclusion (5sigma discovery) may be extended to M_2, mu ~ 480-700 GeV (320-500 GeV). At the ILC, the electroweakinos could be readily discovered once the kinematical threshold is crossed, and their properties could be thoroughly studied.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2013

Physics Case for the ILC Project: Perspective from Beyond the Standard Model

The International Linear Collider (ILC) has recently proven its technical maturity with the publication of a Technical Design Report, and there is a strong interest in Japan to host such a machine. We summarize key aspects of the Beyond the Standard Model physics case for the ILC in this contribution to the US High Energy Physics strategy process. On top of the strong guaranteed physics case in the detailed exploration of the recently discovered Higgs boson, the top quark and electroweak precision measurements, the ILC will offer unique opportunities which are complementary to the LHC program of the next decade. Many of these opportunities have connections to the Cosmic and Intensity Frontiers, which we comment on in detail. We illustrate the general picture with examples of how our world could turn out to be and what the ILC would contribute in these cases, with an emphasis on value-added beyond the LHC. These comprise examples from Supersymmetry including light Higgsinos, a comprehensive bottom-up coverage of NLSP-LSP combinations for slepton, squark, chargino and neutralino NLSP, a stau-coannihilation dark matter scenario and bilinear R-parity violation as explanation for neutrino masses and mixing, as well as generic WIMP searches and Little Higgs models as non-SUSY examples.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2013

Post LHC8 SUSY benchmark points for ILC physics

We re-evaluate prospects for supersymmetry at the proposed International Linear e^+e^- Collider (ILC) in light of the first two years of serious data taking at LHC: LHC7 with ~5 fb^{-1} of pp collisions at sqrt{s}=7 TeV and LHC8 with ~20 fb^{-1} at \sqrt{s}=8 TeV. Strong new limits from LHC8 SUSY searches, along with the discovery of a Higgs boson with m_h~125 GeV, suggest a paradigm shift from previously popular models to ones with new and compelling signatures. After a review of the current status of supersymmetry, we present a variety of new ILC benchmark models, including: natural SUSY, radiatively-driven natural SUSY (RNS), NUHM2 with low m_A, a focus point case from mSUGRA/CMSSM, non-universal gaugino mass (NUGM) model, stau-coannihilation, Kallosh-Linde/spread SUSY model, mixed gauge-gravity mediation, normal scalar mass hierarchy (NMH), and one example with the recently discovered Higgs boson being the heavy CP-even state H. While all these models at present elude the latest LHC8 limits, they do offer intriguing case study possibilities for ILC operating at \sqrt{s}~0.25-1 TeV. The benchmark points also present a view of the widely diverse SUSY phenomena which might still be expected in the post LHC8 era at both LHC and ILC.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2013

The International Linear Collider Technical Design Report - Volume 2: Physics

The International Linear Collider Technical Design Report (TDR) describes in four volumes the physics case and the design of a 500 GeV centre-of-mass energy linear electron-positron collider based on superconducting radio-frequency technology using Niobium cavities as the accelerating structures. The accelerator can be extended to 1 TeV and also run as a Higgs factory at around 250 GeV and on the Z0 pole. A comprehensive value estimate of the accelerator is give, together with associated uncertainties. It is shown that no significant technical issues remain to be solved. Once a site is selected and the necessary site-dependent engineering is carried out, construction can begin immediately. The TDR also gives baseline documentation for two high-performance detectors that can share the ILC luminosity by being moved into and out of the beam line in a "push-pull" configuration. These detectors, ILD and SiD, are described in detail. They form the basis for a world-class experimental programme that promises to increase significantly our understanding of the fundamental processes that govern the evolution of the Universe.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

Characterising WIMPs at a future $e^+e^-$ Linear Collider

We investigate the prospects for detecting and measuring the parameters of WIMP dark matter in a model independent way at the International Linear Collider. The signal under study is direct WIMP pair production with associated initial state radiation $e^+e^- \rightarrow χχγ$. The analysis accounts for the beam energy spectrum of the ILC and the dominant machine induced backgrounds. The influence of the detector parameters are incorporated by full simulation and event reconstruction within the framework of the ILD detector concept. We show that by using polarised beams, the detection potential is significantly increased by reduction of the dominant SM background of radiative neutrino production $e^+e^- \rightarrow ννγ$. The dominant sources of systematic uncertainty are the precision of the polarisation measurement and the shape of the beam energy spectrum. With an integrated luminosity of 500 fb the helicity structure of the interaction involved can be inferred, and the masses and cross-sections can be measured with a relative accuracy of the order of 1 %.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2012

Post LHC7 SUSY benchmark points for ILC physics

We re-evaluate prospects for supersymmetry at the proposed International Linear $e^+e^-$ Collider (ILC) in light of the first year of serious data taking at LHC with $\sqrt{s}=7$ TeV and $\sim 5$ fb$^{-1}$ of $pp$ collisions (LHC7). Strong new limits from LHC SUSY searches, along with a hint of a Higgs boson signal around $m_h\sim 125$ GeV, suggest a paradigm shift from previously popular models to ones with new and compelling signatures. We present a variety of new ILC benchmark models, including: natural SUSY, hidden SUSY, NUHM2 with low $m_A$, non-universal gaugino mass (NUGM) model, pMSSM, Kallosh-Linde model, Brümmer-Buchmüller model, normal scalar mass hierarchy (NMH) plus one surviving case from mSUGRA/CMSSM in the far focus point region. While all these models at present elude the latest LHC limits, they do offer intriguing case study possibilities for ILC operating at $\sqrt{s}\sim 0.25-1$ TeV, and present a view of some of the diverse SUSY phenomena which might be expected at both LHC and ILC in the post LHC7 era.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

Measurement of radiative neutralino production

We perform the first experimental study with full detector simulation for the radiative production of neutralinos at the linear collider, at sqrt{s} = 500 GeV and realistic beam polarizations. We consider all relevant backgrounds, like the Standard Model background from radiative neutrino production. The longitudinal polarized beams enhance the signal and simultaneously reduce the background, such that statistical errors are significantly reduced. We find that the photon spectrum from the signal process can be well isolated. The neutralino mass and the cross section can be measured at a few per-cent level, with the largest systematic uncertainties from the measurement of the beam polarization and the beam energy spectrum.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

Model-independent WIMP Characterisation using ISR

The prospects of measuring the parameters of WIMP dark matter in a model independent way at the International Linear Collider are investigated. The signal under study is direct WIMP pair production with associated initial state radiation. The analysis is performed in full simulation of the ILD detector concept. With an integrated luminosity of L = 500 fb-1 and realistic beam polarizations the helicity structure of the WIMP couplings to electrons can be determined, and the masses and cross sections can be measured to the percent level. The systematic uncertainties are dominated by the polarization measurement and the luminosity spectrum.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2011

Design and Construction of a Cherenkov Detector for Compton Polarimetry at the ILC

This paper describes the design and construction of a Cherenkov detector conceived with regard to high energy Compton polarimeters for the International Linear Collider, where beam diagnostic systems of unprecedented precision must complement the interaction region detectors to pursue an ambitious physics programme. Besides the design of a prototype Cherenkov detector, detailed simulation studies are presented. Results of a first testbeam campaign with the main objective of validating the simulation in terms of the light distribution inside the channels and the channel response are presented. Furthermore, a new method for aligning the detector without the need of dedicated data taking has been developped.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2010

Prospects for the study of the \stau-system in SPS1a' at the ILC

The prospects for the analysis of tau channels at the SUSY benchmark point SPS1a', especially from e+e- -> stau_1 stau_1 and e+e- -> stau_2 stau_2, have been studied in full simulation of the ILD detector concept forseen for the International Linear Collider. All accessible SUSY channels as well as all Standard Model backgrounds were generated at a centre-of-mass energy E_CMS=500 GeV, including the beam energy spectrum and beam backgrounds expected for nominal ILC beam parameters. With an integrated luminosity of 500 fb-1 delivered to the experiment, the masses of the stau_1 and stau_2 can be measured to 107.69^{+0.03}_{-0.06} GeV +- 1.1 δM_LSP and 183 ^{+11}_{-5} GeV +- 18 δM_LSP, respectively, while the true values in SPS1a' are 107.9 GeV and 194.9 GeV, respectively. The cross sections for stau_1 and stau_2 pair production could be obtained with a precision of 3.1% and 4.2%, respectively. Combining the mass and cross section measurement in the stau_2 channel allows to determine the LSP mass with a relative error of 1.7%, assuming a known mixing angle. In stau_1 -> tau LSP decays, the tau polarisation is measured to be 91 +- 9% and 87.0 +- 3.4% in the pi and rho decay channels of the tau, respectively. The true value in the simulated SPS1a' sample is 89.6%.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2010

Model independent WIMP Searches in full Simulation of the ILD Detector

In this study the ILC's capabilities for detecting WIMPs and measure their properties are investigated. The signal events are detected by associated production of Initial State Radiation (ISR). A model independent formulation of the signal cross section is used. The cross section is normalized by inference from the observed abundance of cosmological Dark Matter (DM). The study is performed in full simulation of the ILD00 detector model. The prospects of determining the WIMP parameters individually and simultaneously are presented.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2010

Consideration of Photon Radiation in Kinematic Fits for Future e+ e- Colliders

Kinematic fitting is an important tool to improve the resolution in high-energy physics experiments. At future e+e- colliders, photon radiation parallel to the beam carrying away large amounts of energy and momentum will become a challenge for kinematic fitting. A photon with longitudinal momentum pz(η) is introduced, which is parametrized such that η follows a normal distribution. In the fit, η is treated as having a measured value of zero, which corresponds to pz = 0. As a result, fits with constraints on energy and momentum conservation converge well even in the presence of a highly energetic photon, while the resolution of fits without such a photon is retained. A fully simulated and reconstructed e+e- -> qqqq event sample at sqrt(s) = 500 GeV is used to investigate the performance of this method under realistic conditions, as expected at the International Linear Collider.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2010

Cherenkov Detector Prototype & Testbeam 2009

Precise knowledge of all beam parameters is crucial to fully exploit the physics potential of the International Linear Collider (ILC). A sufficiently accurate measurement of the beam polarisation can only be achieved using dedicated high energy Compton polarimeters combined with well-designed arrays of Cherenkov detectors. This note focuses on the design and detailed simulation of a suitable Cherenkov detector prototype and provides an overview of first results from a highly successful beam test period.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2010

Treatment of Photon Radiation in Kinematic Fits at Future e+ e- Colliders

Kinematic fitting, where constraints such as energy and momentum conservation are imposed on measured four-vectors of jets and leptons, is an important tool to improve the resolution in high-energy physics experiments. At future e+ e- colliders, photon radiation parallel to the beam carrying away large amounts of energy and momentum will become a challenge for kinematic fitting. A photon with longitudinal momentum p_z^γ(η) is introduced, which is parametrized such that η~follows a normal distribution. In the fit, η~is treated as having a measured value of zero, which corresponds to p_z^γ(η)=0. As a result, fits with constraints on energy and momentum conservation converge well even in the presence of a highly energetic photon, while the resolution of fits without such a photon is retained. A fully simulated and reconstructed e+ e- -> qqqq event sample at \sqrt{s}=500 GeV is used to investigate the performance of this method under realistic conditions, as expected at the International Linear Collider.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2010

New ALPS Results on Hidden-Sector Lightweights

The ALPS collaboration runs a "Light Shining through a Wall" (LSW) experiment to search for photon oscillations into "Weakly Interacting Sub-eV Particles" (WISPs) often predicted by extensions of the Standard Model. The experiment is set up around a superconducting HERA dipole magnet at the site of DESY. Due to several upgrades of the experiment we are able to place limits on the probability of photon-WISP-photon conversions of a few 10^{-25}. These limits result in today's most stringent laboratory constraints on the existence of low mass axion-like particles, hidden photons and minicharged particles.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2009

Precision Polarimetry at the ILC: Concepts, Simulations and experiments

The precision physics program of the ILC requires precise knowledge of the state of beam polarisation. In fact the Compton polarimeters intended for the ILC will have to measure the polarisation with error a factor of 2 smaller than the previous best measurement at the SLAC SLD experiment. In order to further reduce measurement error, spin tracking simulations in the ILC Beam Delivery System subject to ground motion induced misalignment have been performed and the expected variation in polarisation has been quantified. A prototype of a high precision spectrometer to record Compton scattered electrons from the interaction of a longitudinal laser and the charged beams has been developed. The Compton electrons interact with a gas in the polarimeter channels to produce Cherenkov radiation measured by photodetectors. The calibration of the photodetectors is crucial and exhaustive bench tests of the photodetector linearity have been performed. The polarimeter prototype itself will be tested at the ELSA testbeam in Bonn in Spring 2009.

physics.ins-det↗