arXiv subjects

O. Kittel

Publications and source records attributed to O. Kittel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2012

Heavy Neutrinos and Lepton Flavour Violation in Left-Right Symmetric Models at the LHC

We discuss lepton flavour violating processes induced in the production and decay of heavy right-handed neutrinos at the LHC. Such particles appear in left-right symmetrical extensions of the Standard Model as the messengers of neutrino mass generation, and can have masses at the TeV scale. We determine the expected sensitivity on the right-handed neutrino mixing matrix, as well as on the right-handed gauge boson and heavy neutrino masses. By comparing the sensitivity of the LHC with that of searches for low energy LFV processes, we identify favourable areas of the parameter space to explore the complementarity between LFV at low and high energies.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

Flavour in heavy neutrino searches at the LHC

Heavy neutrinos at the TeV scale have been searched for at the LHC in the context of left-right models, under the assumption that they couple to the electron, the muon, or both. We show that current searches are also sensitive to heavy neutrinos coupling predominantly to the tau lepton, and present limits can significantly constrain the parameter space of general flavour mixing.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

CP asymmetries in the supersymmetric trilepton signal at the LHC

In the CP-violating Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model, we study the production of a neutralino-chargino pair at the LHC. For their decays into three leptons, we analyze CP asymmetries which are sensitive to the CP phases of the neutralino and chargino sector. We present analytical formulas for the entire production and decay process, and identify the CP-violating contributions in the spin correlation terms. This allows us to define the optimal CP asymmetries. We present a detailed numerical analysis of the cross sections, branching ratios, and the CP observables. For light neutralinos, charginos, and squarks, the asymmetries can reach several 10%. We estimate the discovery potential for the LHC to observe CP violation in the trilepton channel.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

Measurement of CP asymmetries in neutralino production at the ILC

We study the prospects to measure the CP-sensitive triple-product asymmetries in neutralino production e+e- -> ~chi^0_i ~chi^0_1 and subsequent leptonic two-body decays ~chi^0_i -> ~l_R l, ~l_R -> ~chi^0_1 l, for l=e, mu, within the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. We include a full detector simulation of the International Large Detector for the International Linear Collider. The simulation was performed at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt{s}=500 GeV, including the relevant Standard Model background processes, a realistic beam energy spectrum, beam backgrounds and a beam polarization of 80% and -60% for the electron and positron beams, respectively. In order to effectively disentangle different signal samples and reduce SM and SUSY backgrounds we apply a method of kinematic reconstruction. Assuming an integrated luminosity of 500 fb^-1 collected by the experiment and the performance of the current ILD detector, we arrive at a relative measurement accuracy of 10% for the CP-sensitive asymmetry in our scenario. We demonstrate that our method of signal selection using kinematic reconstruction can be applied to a broad class of scenarios and it allows disentangling processes with similar kinematic properties.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

Mass Bounds on a Very Light Neutralino

Within the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) we systematically investigate the bounds on the mass of the lightest neutralino. We allow for non-universal gaugino masses and thus even consider massless neutralinos, while assuming in general that R-parity is conserved. Our main focus are laboratory constraints. We consider collider data, precision observables, and also rare meson decays to very light neutralinos. We then discuss the astrophysical and cosmological implications. We find that a massless neutralino is allowed by all existing experimental data and astrophysical and cosmological observations.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

CP-sensitive spin-spin correlations in neutralino production at the ILC

We study the CP-violating terms of the spin-spin correlations in neutralino production and their subsequent two-body decays into sleptons plus leptons at the ILC. We analyze CP-sensitive observables with the help of T-odd products of the spin-spin terms. These terms depend on the polarizations of both neutralinos, with one polarization perpendicular to the production plane. We present a detailed numerical study of the CP-sensitive observables, cross sections, and neutralino branching ratios in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model with complex parameters.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

Neutralino Relic Density in the CPVMSSM at the ILC

We discuss ILC measurements for a specific MSSM scenario with CP phases, where the lightest neutralino, a candidate for dark matter, annihilates through t-channel exchange of light staus. These prospective ILC measurements are used to fit the underlying model parameters. A collider prediction of the relic density of the neutralino from this fit gives 0.116<Omega h2<0.19 at 95%CL.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2008

CP observables with spin-spin correlations in chargino production

We study the CP-violating terms of the spin-spin correlations in chargino production e+e- -> chi^+/-_1 chi^-/+_2, and their subsequent two-body decays into sneutrinos plus leptons. We propose novel CP-sensitive observables with the help of T-odd products of the spin-spin terms. These terms depend on the polarizations of both charginos, with one polarization perpendicular to the production plane. We identify two classes of CP-sensitive observables; one requires the reconstruction of the production plane, the other not. Our framework is the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model with complex parameters.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2008

Neutralino relic density from ILC measurements in the CPV MSSM

We discuss ILC measurements for a specific MSSM scenario with CP phases, where the lightest neutralino is a good candidate for dark matter, annihilating efficiently through t-channel exchange of light staus. These prospective (CP-even) ILC measurements are then used to fit the underlying model parameters. A collider prediction of the relic density of the neutralino from this fit gives 0.116<Omega h^2<0.19 at 95% CL. CP-odd observables, while being a direct signal of CP violation, do not help in further constraining Omega h^2. The interplay with (in)direct detection of dark matter and with measurements of electric dipole moments is also discussed. Finally we comment on collider measurements at higher energies for refining the prediction of Omega h^2.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2007

CP asymmetries with Longitudinal and Transverse Beam Polarizations in Neutralino Production and Decay into the Z^0 Boson at the ILC

We study neutralino production at the linear collider with the subsequent two-body decays ~chi^0_i -> ~chi^0_n Z^0 and Z^0 -> l^+ l^-, with l=e, mu, tau, or Z^0 -> q q- with q=c,b. We show that transverse electron and positron beam polarizations allow the definition of unique CP observables. These are azimuthal asymmetries in the distributions of the final leptons or quarks. We calculate these CP asymmetries and the cross sections in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model with complex higgsino and gaugino parameters mu and M_1. For final quark pairs, we find CP asymmetries as large as 30%. We discuss the significances for observing the CP asymmetries at the International Linear Collider (ILC). Finally we compare the CP asymmetries with those asymmetries which require unpolarized and/or longitudinally polarized beams only.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2007

How light can the lightest neutralino be?

We show that in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model, the mass of the lightest neutralino is experimentally unconstrained if the GUT relation between the gaugino mass parameters M_1 and M_2 is dropped. We discuss what the impact of light or massless neutralinos would be on their production at LEP, as well as on electroweak precision data and rare decays.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2006

CP Studies and Non-Standard Higgs Physics

There are many possibilities for new physics beyond the Standard Model that feature non-standard Higgs sectors. These may introduce new sources of CP violation, and there may be mixing between multiple Higgs bosons or other new scalar bosons. Alternatively, the Higgs may be a composite state, or there may even be no Higgs at all. These non-standard Higgs scenarios have important implications for collider physics as well as for cosmology, and understanding their phenomenology is essential for a full comprehension of electroweak symmetry breaking. This report discusses the most relevant theories which go beyond the Standard Model and its minimal, CP-conserving supersymmetric extension: two-Higgs-doublet models and minimal supersymmetric models with CP violation, supersymmetric models with an extra singlet, models with extra gauge groups or Higgs triplets, Little Higgs models, models in extra dimensions, and models with technicolour or other new strong dynamics. For each of these scenarios, this report presents an introduction to the phenomenology, followed by contributions on more detailed theoretical aspects and studies of possible experimental signatures at the LHC and other colliders.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2005

Supersymmetry Parameter Analysis: SPA Convention and Project

High-precision analyses of supersymmetry parameters aim at reconstructing the fundamental supersymmetric theory and its breaking mechanism. A well defined theoretical framework is needed when higher-order corrections are included. We propose such a scheme, Supersymmetry Parameter Analysis SPA, based on a consistent set of conventions and input parameters. A repository for computer programs is provided which connect parameters in different schemes and relate the Lagrangian parameters to physical observables at LHC and high energy e+e- linear collider experiments, i.e., masses, mixings, decay widths and production cross sections for supersymmetric particles. In addition, programs for calculating high-precision low energy observables, the density of cold dark matter (CDM) in the universe as well as the cross sections for CDM search experiments are included. The SPA scheme still requires extended efforts on both the theoretical and experimental side before data can be evaluated in the future at the level of the desired precision. We take here an initial step of testing the SPA scheme by applying the techniques involved to a specific supersymmetry reference point.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2005

The role of polarized positrons and electrons in revealing fundamental interactions at the Linear Collider

The proposed International Linear Collider (ILC) is well-suited for discovering physics beyond the Standard Model and for precisely unraveling the structure of the underlying physics. The physics return can be maximized by the use of polarized beams. This report shows the paramount role of polarized beams and summarizes the benefits obtained from polarizing the positron beam, as well as the electron beam. The physics case for this option is illustrated explicitly by analyzing reference reactions in different physics scenarios. The results show that positron polarization, combined with the clean experimental environment provided by the linear collider, allows to improve strongly the potential of searches for new particles and the identification of their dynamics, which opens the road to resolve shortcomings of the Standard Model. The report also presents an overview of possible designs for polarizing both beams at the ILC, as well as for measuring their polarization.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2005

CP Violation in Production and Decay of Supersymmetric Particles

In this thesis we analyze CP violating effects of MSSM phases in production and two-body decays of neutralinos, charginos and sfermions. For different supersymmetric processes we define and calculate CP-odd asymmetries, which base on triple products. We present numerical results for electron-positron collisions at a future linear collider with a center of mass energy of 500-800 GeV, high luminosity and longitudinally polarized beams.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

CP sensitive observables in chargino production and decay into a W boson

We study CP sensitive observables in chargino production in electron-positron collisions with subsequent two-body decay of one chargino into a W boson. We identify the CP odd elements of the W boson density matrix and propose CP sensitive triple-product asymmetries of the chargino decay products. We calculate the density-matrix elements, the CP asymmetries and the cross sections in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model with complex parameters μand M_1 for an e+ e- linear collider with \sqrt{s} = 800 GeV and longitudinally polarized beams. The asymmetries can reach 7% and we discuss the feasibility of measuring these asymmetries.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

CP violation in chargino production and decay into sneutrino

We study CP odd asymmetries in chargino production E+ E- --> ~Chi(+-)(1) Chi(-+)(2) and the subsequent two-body decay of one chargino into a sneutrino. We show that in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model with complex parameter μthe asymmetries can reach 30 %. We discuss the feasibility of measuring these asymmetries at a linear collider with \sqrt{s} = 800 GeV and longitudinally polarized beams.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

CP sensitive observables in e+e- -> neutralino_i neutralino_j and neutralino decay into the Z boson

We study CP sensitive observables in neutralino production e+e- -> neutralino_i neutralino_j and the subsequent two-body decays of the neutralino neutralino_i -> neutralino_n Z and of the Z boson Z -> l \bar l (q \bar q). We identify the CP odd elements of the Z boson density matrix and propose CP sensitive triple-product asymmetries. We calculate these observables and the cross sections in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model with complex parameters μand M_1 for an e+e- linear collider with \sqrt{s}=800 GeV and longitudinally polarized beams. We show that the asymmetries can reach 3% for Z -> l \bar l and 18% for Z -> q \bar q and discuss the feasibility of measuring these asymmetries.

hep-ph↗