arXiv subjects

Linda M. Carpenter

Publications and source records attributed to Linda M. Carpenter.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2021

Exploring nearly degenerate higgsinos using mono-$Z/W$ signal

We propose a new search strategy for higgsinos. Assuming associated production of higgsino-like pairs with a $W$ or $Z$ boson, we search in the missing energy plus hadronically-tagged vector boson channel. We place sensitivity limits for (HL-)LHC searches assuming $\mathcal{O}({1\mathrm{-}3.5}~\mathrm{GeV})$ mass differences between the lightest neutral and charged states. We point out that using the $E_T^\mathrm{miss}$ distribution significantly increases the sensitivity of this search. We find the higgsinos up to 110 (210) GeV can be excluded with $139~(300)~\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ data. The full data of the HL-LHC will exclude (discover) the higgsinos up to 520 (280) GeV.

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arXiv2021

Color-octet scalars in Dirac gaugino models with broken $R$ symmetry

In this work we study the collider phenomenology of color-octet scalars (sgluons) in supersymmetric models with Dirac gaugino masses that feature an explicitly broken $R$ symmetry ($R$-broken models). We construct such models by augmenting minimal $R$-symmetric models with a fairly general set of supersymmetric and softly supersymmetry-breaking operators that explicitly break $R$ symmetry. We then compute the rates of all significant two-body decays and highlight new features that appear as a result of $R$ symmetry breaking, including enhancements to extant decay rates, novel tree- and loop-level decays, and improved cross sections of single sgluon production. We demonstrate in some detail how the familiar results from minimal $R$-symmetric models can be obtained by restoring $R$ symmetry. In parallel to this discussion, we explore constraints on these models from the Large Hadron Collider. We find that, in general, $R$ symmetry breaking quantitatively affects existing limits on color-octet scalars, perhaps closing loopholes for light CP-odd (pseudoscalar) sgluons while opening one for a light CP-even (scalar) particle. Qualitatively, however, we find that -- much as for minimal $R$-symmetric models, despite stark differences in phenomenology -- scenarios with broken $R$ symmetry and two sgluons below the TeV scale can be accommodated by existing searches.

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arXiv2021

New Bounds on Light Sneutrino Masses: Rare SUSY Signals

We study bounds on a neutral component of weak doublet scalar lepton. A typical example of such particle is sneutrinos in supersymmetric models. Using constraints from invisible Higgs decays we place a lower bound of approximately $m_h/2$. We recast a mono-$W/Z$ search, with hadronic vector boson tag in order to bound parameter space in the sneutrino--charged slepton mass plane. We find a lower bound on sneutrinos in the range of 55-100 GeV in the 36 $\text{fb}^{-1}$ data set depending on the mass of charged component. We propose a sensitivity search in the hadronic mono-$W/Z$ channel for HL-LHC and discuss both the discovery potential in case an excess is seen and exclusion limit assuming no excess is seen.

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arXiv2020

Exploring color-octet scalar parameter space in minimal $R$-symmetric models

In this work we study the collider phenomenology of color-octet scalars (sgluons) in minimal supersymmetric models endowed with a global continuous $R$ symmetry. We systematically catalog the significant decay channels of scalar and pseudoscalar sgluons and identify novel features that are natural in these models. These include decays in nonstandard diboson channels, such as to a gluon and a photon; three-body decays with considerable branching fractions; and long-lived particles with displaced vertex signatures. We also discuss the single and pair production of these particles and show that they can evade existing constraints from the Large Hadron Collider, to varying extents, in large regions of reasonable parameter space. We find, for instance, that a 725 GeV scalar and a 350 GeV or lighter pseudoscalar can still be accommodated in realistic scenarios.

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arXiv2018

Increasing the Discovery Potential Using Rare SUSY Scenarios Part I: Gluinos

In this work we consider the HL-LHC discovery potential in the 3 inverse ab data set for gluinos in the gluino-weakino associated production channel. We propose a search in the jets plus missing energy channel which exploits kinematic edge features in the reconstructed transverse mass of the gluino. We find that for squark masses in the 2 TeV range we have 5 sigma discovery potential for gluino masses in the range of 2.4 to 3 TeV, competitive with the projections for discovery potential in the gluino pair production channel.

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arXiv2018

LHC Dark Matter Working Group: Next-generation spin-0 dark matter models

Dark matter (DM) simplified models are by now commonly used by the ATLAS and CMS Collaborations to interpret searches for missing transverse energy ($E_T^\mathrm{miss}$). The coherent use of these models sharpened the LHC DM search program, especially in the presentation of its results and their comparison to DM direct-detection (DD) and indirect-detection (ID) experiments. However, the community has been aware of the limitations of the DM simplified models, in particular the lack of theoretical consistency of some of them and their restricted phenomenology leading to the relevance of only a small subset of $E_T^\mathrm{miss}$ signatures. This document from the LHC Dark Matter Working Group identifies an example of a next-generation DM model, called $\textrm{2HDM+a}$, that provides the simplest theoretically consistent extension of the DM pseudoscalar simplified model. A comprehensive study of the phenomenology of the $\textrm{2HDM+a}$ model is presented, including a discussion of the rich and intricate pattern of mono-$X$ signatures and the relevance of other DM as well as non-DM experiments. Based on our discussions, a set of recommended scans are proposed to explore the parameter space of the $\textrm{2HDM+a}$ model through LHC searches. The exclusion limits obtained from the proposed scans can be consistently compared to the constraints on the $\textrm{2HDM+a}$ model that derive from DD, ID and the DM relic density.

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arXiv2017

Exploring Non-Universal Gauge Mediation

I explore the phenomenology and models of Gauge Mediation with a mixed spectrum of Dirac and Majorana gauginos. Scalar sfermion masses are generated using a mixture of Supersoft and Minimal Gauge Mediated communication mechanisms. I build simple models where Dirac and Majorana gauginos arise from distinct SUSY breaking sectors. I explore the phenomenology of the gauge mediated parameter space, identifying candidate NLSP's and possible mass hierarchies. The phenomenological focus is on 'collider safe' models where the gluino is Dirac. Within this model space I find a range of complex SUSY spectra and decay chains.

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arXiv2016

Antisplit Supersymmetry

I explore the phenomenology of Supersymmetry models in which the gauginos are much heavier then that scalar particles of the MSSM. In these models, the gauginos are inaccessible to colliders while the scalar spectrum is compressed. I give several examples of models which exhibit this phenomenology built in the class of General Gauge Mediated Models. I explore possible LSP and NLSP candidates in these scenarios including Higgsino, stau, and sneutrino candidates. Collider signatures for these models include multi-particle decay chains, many taus in the final state, and possible displaced vertices with semi-long lived sparticles. I enumerate the most likely collider smoking gun collider signatures for each general LSP/NLSP scenario.

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arXiv2016

Higgs Boson Decay to Light Jets at the LHC

We study the Higgs boson $(h)$ decay to two light jets at the 14 TeV High-Luminosity-LHC (HL-LHC), where a light jet ($j$) represents any non-flavor tagged jet from the observational point of view. The decay mode $h\to gg$ is chosen as the benchmark since it is the dominant channel in the Standard Model (SM), but the bound obtained is also applicable to the light quarks $(j=u,d,s)$. We estimate the achievable bounds on the decay branching fractions through the associated production $Vh\ (V=W^\pm,Z)$. Events of the Higgs boson decaying into heavy (tagged) or light (un-tagged) jets are correlatively analyzed. We find that with 3000 fb$^{-1}$ data at the HL-LHC, we should expect approximately $1σ$ statistical significance on the SM $Vh(gg)$ signal in this channel. This corresponds to a reachable upper bound ${\rm BR}(h\to jj) \leq 4~ {\rm BR}^{SM}(h\to gg)$ at $95\%$ confidence level. A consistency fit also leads to an upper bound ${\rm BR}(h\to cc) < 15~ {\rm BR}^{SM}(h\to cc)$ at $95\%$ confidence level. The estimated bound may be further strengthened by adopting multiple variable analyses, or adding other production channels.

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arXiv2016

Indirect Detection Constraints on s and t Channel Simplified Models of Dark Matter

Recent Fermi-LAT observations of dwarf spheroidal galaxies in the Milky Way have placed strong limits on the gamma-ray flux from dark matter annihilation. In order to produce the strongest limit on the dark matter annihilation cross-section, the observations of each dwarf galaxy have typically been "stacked" in a joint-likelihood analysis, utilizing optical observations to constrain the dark matter density profile in each dwarf. These limits have typically been computed only for singular annihilation final states, such as $b\bar{b}$ or $τ^+τ^-$. In this paper, we generalize this approach by producing an independent joint-likelihood analysis to set constraints on models where the dark matter particle annihilates to multiple final state fermions. We interpret these results in the context of the most popular simplified models, including those with s- and t-channel dark matter annihilation through scalar and vector mediators. We present our results as constraints on the minimum dark matter mass and the mediator sector parameters. Additionally, we compare our simplified model results to those of Effective Field Theory contact interactions in the high-mass limit.

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arXiv2016

Supersoft SUSY Models and the 750 GeV Diphoton Excess, Beyond Effective Operators

We propose that the sbino, the scalar partner of a Dirac bino can explain the 750 GeV diphoton excess observed by ATLAS and CMS . We analyze a model in which the sbino couples to pairs of Standard Model (SM) gauge bosons. We analyze an effective operator model, as well as a completion in which the sbino couples to pairs of gauge bosons through loops of heavy sfermions. We find that the sbino may be given an appreciable decay width through tree level coupling in the Higgs or Higgsino sector and additionally fit the 750 GeV excess by considering gluon fusion processes with decay to diphotons.

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arXiv2015

Searching for Standard Model Adjoint Scalars with Diboson Resonance Signatures

We explore the phenomenology of scalar fields in the adjoint representation of SM gauge groups. We write a general set of dimension 5 effective operators in which SM adjoint scalars couple to pairs of standard model bosons. Using these effective operators, we explore new possible decay channels of a scalar color octet into a gluon and a Z boson/ gluon and a photon. We recast several analyses from Run I of the LHC to find constraints on an a scalar octet decaying into these channels, and we project the discovery potential of color octets in our gluon+photon channel for the 14 TeV run of LHC.

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arXiv2015

Indirect Detection Constraints on the Model Space of Dark Matter Effective Theories

Using limits on photon flux from Dwarf Spheroidal galaxies, we place bounds on the parameter space of models in which Dark Matter annihilates into multiple final state particle pair channels. We derive constraints on effective operator models with Dark Matter couplings to third generation fermions and to pairs of Standard Model vector bosons. We present limits in various slices of model parameter space along with estimations of the region of maximal validity of the effective operator approach for indirect detection. We visualize our bounds for models with multiple final state annihilations by projecting parameter space constraints onto triangles, a technique familiar from collider physics; and we compare our bounds to collider limits on equivalent models.

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arXiv2015

New Calculations in Dirac Gaugino Models: Operators, Expansions, and Effects

In this work we calculate important one loop SUSY-breaking parameters in models with Dirac gauginos, which are implied by the existence of heavy messenger fields. We find that these SUSY-breaking effects are all related by a small number of parameters, thus the general theory is tightly predictive. In order to make the most accurate analyses of one loop effects, we introduce calculations using an expansion in SUSY breaking messenger mass, rather than relying on postulating the forms of effective operators. We use this expansion to calculate one loop contributions to gaugino masses, non-holomorphic SM adjoint masses, new A-like and B-like terms, and linear terms. We also test the Higgs potential in such models, and calculate one loop contributions to the Higgs mass in certain limits of R-symmetric models, finding a very large contribution in many regions of the $μ$-less MSSM, where Higgs fields couple to standard model adjoint fields.

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arXiv2014

Chaotic Hybrid Inflation with a Gauged B - L

In this paper we present a novel formulation of chaotic hybrid inflation in supergravity. The model includes a waterfall field which spontaneously breaks a gauged $U_1(B-L)$ at a GUT scale. This allows for the possibility of future model building which includes the standard formulation of baryogenesis via leptogenesis with the waterfall field decaying into right-handed neutrinos. We have not considered the following issues in this short paper, i.e. supersymmetry breaking, dark matter or the gravitino or moduli problems. Our focus is on showing the compatibility of the present model with Planck, WMAP and Bicep2 data.

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arXiv2014

Degenerate gaugino mass region and mono-boson collider signatures

In this paper we discuss search strategies at the LHC for light electroweak gauginos which are mostly Wino-like, Higgsino-like or an admixture. These states are typically degenerate with decay products that are less energetic and hence difficult to detect. In addition, their production cross-sections at a hadron collider are suppressed compared to colored states such as the gluinos. In order to detect these states one needs to trigger on initial or final state radiation. Many previous analyses have focussed on mono-jet and mono-photon triggers. In the paper we argue and show that these triggers are unlikely to succeed, due to the large background from QCD backgrounds for the mono-jet searches and the fact that the $p_T$ distribution of the mono-photons are rapidly decreasing functions of $p_T$. We show this with both an analytic calculation of photons in the initial state radiation and also a detailed numerical analysis. We then argue that mono-Z triggers, from Z decaying into charged leptons may well provide the best search strategy, in particular for Higgsino-like and mixed cases.

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arXiv2014

Mono-Higgs: a new collider probe of dark matter

We explore the LHC phenomenology of dark matter (DM) pair production in association with a 125 GeV Higgs boson. This signature, dubbed `mono-Higgs,' appears as a single Higgs boson plus missing energy from DM particles escaping the detector. We perform an LHC background study for mono-Higgs signals at $\sqrt{s} = 8$ and $14$ TeV for four Higgs boson decay channels: $γγ$, $b \bar b$, and $ZZ^* \to 4\ell$, $\ell\ell j j$. We estimate the LHC sensitivities to a variety of new physics scenarios within the frameworks of both effective operators and simplified models. For all these scenarios, the $γγ$ channel provides the best sensitivity, whereas the $b\bar b$ channel suffers from a large $t \bar t$ background. Mono-Higgs is unlike other mono-$X$ searches ($X$=jet, photon, etc.), since the Higgs boson is unlikely to be radiated as initial state radiation, and therefore probes the underlying DM vertex directly.

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arXiv2014

Collider Bounds on Indirect Dark Matter Searches: The $WW$ Final State

We describe an effective theory of interaction between pairs of dark matter particles (denoted $χ$) and pairs of $W$ bosons. Such an interaction could accommodate $χ\barχ\rightarrow WW$ processes, which are a major focus of indirect dark matter experiments, as well as $pp \rightarrow W\rightarrow Wχ\barχ$ processes, which would predict excesses at the LHC in the $W$+MET final-state. We reinterpret an ATLAS $W$+MET analysis in the hadronic mode and translate the bounds to the space of indirect detection signals. We also reinterpret the $W$+MET analysis in terms of graviton theory through the processes $W\rightarrow WG$ and $Z\rightarrow ZG$ in which $G$ is invisible. Finally, the final state is interpreted in terms of a $W'$ model where $W'\rightarrow WZ$, where $W$ decays hadronically and $Z$ decays to neutrinos.

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