arXiv subjects

S. E. Vahsen

Publications and source records attributed to S. E. Vahsen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

A new Monte Carlo Generator for BSM physics in $B\to K^* \ell^+ \ell^-$ decays with an application to lepton non-universality in angular distributions

Within the widely used EvtGen framework, we have added a new event generator model for $B\to K^* \ell^+ \ell^-$ with improved standard model (SM) decay amplitudes and possible BSM physics contributions, which are implemented in the operator product expansion in terms of Wilson coefficients. This event generator can then be used to investigate the experimental sensitivity to the most general BSM signal resulting from dimension-six operators. We describe the advantages and potential of the newly developed `Sibidanov Physics Generator' in improving experimental sensitivity of searches for lepton non-universal BSM physics and clarifying signatures. The new generator can properly simulate BSM scenarios, interference between SM and BSM amplitudes, and correlations between different BSM observables as well as acceptance bias. We show that exploiting such correlations substantially improves experimental sensitivity. As a demonstration of the utility of the MC generator, we examine the prospects for improved measurements of lepton non-universality in angular distributions for $B \to K^* \ell^+ \ell^-$ decays from the expected 50 ab$^{-1}$ data set of the Belle II experiment, using a four-dimensional unbinned maximum likelihood fit. We describe promising experimental signatures and correlations between observables. The use of lepton-universality violating $Δ$-observables significantly reduces uncertainties in the SM expectations due to QCD and resonance effects and is ideally suited for Belle II with the large data sets expected in the next decade. Our simulation studies also show that Belle II should have excellent sensitivity to BSM physics in the Wilson coefficients $C_7$ and $C_7'$, which appears at low $q^2$ in the di-electron channel.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Measured and projected beam backgrounds in the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider

The Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB electron-positron collider aims to collect an unprecedented data set of $50~{\rm ab}^{-1}$ to study $CP$-violation in the $B$-meson system and to search for Physics beyond the Standard Model. SuperKEKB is already the world's highest-luminosity collider. In order to collect the planned data set within approximately one decade, the target is to reach a peak luminosity of $\rm 6 \times 10^{35}~cm^{-2}s^{-1}$ by further increasing the beam currents and reducing the beam size at the interaction point by squeezing the betatron function down to $β^{*}_{\rm y}=\rm 0.3~mm$. To ensure detector longevity and maintain good reconstruction performance, beam backgrounds must remain well controlled. We report on current background rates in Belle II and compare these against simulation. We find that a number of recent refinements have significantly improved the background simulation accuracy. Finally, we estimate the safety margins going forward. We predict that backgrounds should remain high but acceptable until a luminosity of at least $\rm 2.8 \times 10^{35}~cm^{-2}s^{-1}$ is reached for $β^{*}_{\rm y}=\rm 0.6~mm$. At this point, the most vulnerable Belle II detectors, the Time-of-Propagation (TOP) particle identification system and the Central Drift Chamber (CDC), have predicted background hit rates from single-beam and luminosity backgrounds that add up to approximately half of the maximum acceptable rates.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

Report of the Topical Group on Particle Dark Matter for Snowmass 2021

This report summarizes the findings of the CF1 Topical Subgroup to Snowmass 2021, which was focused on particle dark matter. One of the most important scientific goals of the next decade is to reveal the nature of dark matter (DM). To accomplish this goal, we must delve deep, to cover high priority targets including weakly-interacting massive particles (WIMPs), and search wide, to explore as much motivated DM parameter space as possible. A diverse, continuous portfolio of experiments at large, medium, and small scales that includes both direct and indirect detection techniques maximizes the probability of discovering particle DM. Detailed calibrations and modeling of signal and background processes are required to make a convincing discovery. In the event that a candidate particle is found through different means, for example at a particle collider, the program described in this report is also essential to show that it is consistent with the actual cosmological DM. The US has a leading role in both direct and indirect detection dark matter experiments -- to maintain this leading role, it is imperative to continue funding major experiments and support a robust R\&D program.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Snowmass 2021 White Paper on Upgrading SuperKEKB with a Polarized Electron Beam: Discovery Potential and Proposed Implementation

Upgrading the SuperKEKB electron-positron collider with polarized electron beams opens a new program of precision physics at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV. This white paper describes the physics potential of this `Chiral Belle' program. It includes projections for precision measurements of $\sin^2θ_W$ that can be obtained from independent left-right asymmetry measurements of $e^+e^-$ transitions to pairs of electrons, muons, taus, charm and b-quarks. The $\sin^2θ_W$ precision obtainable at SuperKEKB will match that of the LEP/SLC world average, but at the centre-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV. Measurements of the couplings for muons, charm, and $b$-quarks will be substantially improved and the existing $3σ$ discrepancy between the SLC $A_{LR}$ and LEP $A_{FB}^b$ measurements will be addressed. Precision measurements of neutral current universality will be more than an order of magnitude more precise than currently available. As the energy scale is well away from the $Z^0$-pole, the precision measurements will have sensitivity to the presence of a parity-violating dark sector gauge boson, $Z_{\rm dark}$. The program also enables the measurement of the anomalous magnetic moment $g-2$ form factor of the $τ$ to be made at an unprecedented level of precision. A precision of $10^{-5}$ level is accessible with 40~ab$^{-1}$ and with more data it would start to approach the $10^{-6}$ level. This technique would provide the most precise information from the third generation about potential new physics explanations of the muon $g-2$ $4σ$ anomaly. Additional $τ$ and QCD physics programs enabled or enhanced with having polarized electron beams are also discussed in this White Paper. This paper includes a summary of the path forward in R&D and next steps required to implement this upgrade and access its exciting discovery potential.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2022

Physics Opportunities in the ORNL Spallation Neutron Source Second Target Station Era

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) First Target Station (FTS), used by the COHERENT experiment, provides an intense and extremely high-quality source of pulsed stopped-pion neutrinos, with energies up to about 50 MeV. Upgrades to the SNS are planned, including a Second Target Station (STS), which will approximately double the expected neutrino flux while maintaining quality similar to the FTS source. Furthermore, additional space for ten-tonne scale detectors may be available. We describe here exciting opportunities for neutrino physics, other particle and nuclear physics, and detector development using the FTS and STS neutrino sources.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

Beam background expectations for Belle II at SuperKEKB

The Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB electron-positron collider aims to collect an unprecedented data set of $\rm 50~{\rm ab}^{-1}$ to study $CP$-violation in the $B$-meson system and to search for Physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM). SuperKEKB is already the world's highest-luminosity collider. In order to collect the planned data set within approximately one decade, the target is to reach a peak luminosity of $\rm 6.3 \times 10^{35}~cm^{-2}s^{-1}$ by further increasing the beam currents and reducing the beam-size at the interaction point by squeezing the betatron function down to $β^{*}_{\rm y}=\rm 0.3~mm$. Beam backgrounds are a key challenge in this context. We estimate the expected background evolution in the next ten years and discuss potential challenges and background mitigation strategies. We find that backgrounds will remain high but acceptable until a luminosity of at least $\rm 2.8\times 10^{35}~cm^{-2}s^{-1}$ is reached at $β^{*}_{\rm y}=\rm 0.6~mm$. Beyond this luminosity, predictions are highly uncertain, owing to a planned redesign of the interaction region. Improved background estimates with reduced uncertainties for the final, maximum-luminosity operation will require completion of this redesign.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

Application of recoil-imaging time projection chambers to directional neutron background measurements in the SuperKEKB accelerator tunnel

Gaseous time projection chambers (TPCs) with high readout segmentation are capable of reconstructing detailed 3D ionization distributions of nuclear recoils resulting from elastic neutron scattering. Using a system of six compact TPCs with pixel ASIC readout, filled with a 70:30 mixture of He:CO$_2$ gas, we analyze the first directional measurements of beam-induced neutron backgrounds in the tunnel regions surrounding the Belle II detector at the SuperKEKB $e^+e^-$ collider. With the use of 3D recoil tracking, we show that these TPCs are capable of maintaining nearly $100\%$ nuclear recoil purity to reconstructed ionization energies ($E_\text{reco}$) as low as 5 $\mathrm{keV_\text{ee}}$. Using a large sample of simulated $^4$He, $^{12}$C, and $^{16}$O recoil tracks, we find consistency between predicted and measured recoil energy spectra in five of the six TPCs, providing useful validation of the neutron production mechanisms modeled in simulation. Restricting this sample to $^4$He recoil tracks with $E_\text{reco}>40$ $\mathrm{keV_\text{ee}}$, we demonstrate axial angular resolutions within $8^{\circ}$ and we introduce a procedure that under suitable conditions, correctly assigns the vector direction to $91\%$ of simulated $^4$He recoils. Applying this procedure to assign vector directions to measured $^4$He recoil tracks, we observe consistency between the angular distributions of observed and simulated recoils, providing first experimental evidence of localized neutron "hotspots" in the accelerator tunnel. Observed rates of nuclear recoils in these TPCs suggest that simulation overestimates the neutron flux from these hotspots.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

Belle II Executive Summary

Belle II is a Super $B$ Factory experiment, expected to record 50 ab$^{-1}$ of $e^+e^-$ collisions at the SuperKEKB accelerator until 2035. The large samples of $B$ mesons, charm hadrons, and tau leptons produced in the clean experimental environment of $e^+e^-$ collisions will provide the basis of a broad and unique flavor-physics program. Belle II will pursue physics beyond the Standard Model in many ways, for example: improving the precision of weak interaction parameters, particularly Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix elements and phases, and thus more rigorously test the CKM paradigm, measuring lepton-flavor-violating parameters, and performing unique searches for missing-mass dark matter events. Many key measurements will be made with world-leading precision.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

Deep learning for improved keV-scale recoil identification in high resolution gas time projection chambers

Recoil-imaging gaseous time projection chambers (TPCs) with directional sensitivity are attractive for dark matter (DM) searches. Detectors capable of reconstructing 3D nuclear recoil directions would be uniquely sensitive to the predicted dipole angular distribution of DM recoils that would unambiguously establish the galactic origin of a claimed DM signal and provide powerful discrimination against background recoils from solar neutrinos. These advantages can only be exploited however, if electron recoil backgrounds from gamma rays can be sufficiently suppressed. We introduce a deep learning-based recoil event classifier that uses a 3D convolutional neural network (3DCNN) to identify event species based on their recoil images. We compare electron background rejection performance of the 3DCNN both to the traditional discriminant of track length, as well as discriminants obtained from state-of-the-art shallow learning methods. We train the 3DCNN classifier using recoil charge distributions with ionization energies ranging from 0.5-10.5 $\rm keV_{ee}$, for 25 cm of drift in an 80:10:10 mixture of $\rm He$:$\rm CF_4$:$\rm CHF_3$. The charges are initially segmented into $(100\times 100\times 100)$ $\rmμm^3$ bins when determining track length and the shallow learning discriminants, but are rebinned with a reduced segmentation of about $(850\times 850\times 850)$ $\rmμm^3$ for the 3DCNN. Despite the courser binning, compared to using track length, we find that classifying events with the 3DCNN reduces electron backgrounds by a factor of up to 1,000 and effectively reduces the energy threshold of our simulated TPC by $30\%$ for fluorine recoils and $50\%$ for helium recoils. We also find that the 3DCNN reduces electron backgrounds by up to a factor of 20 compared to the shallow machine learning approaches, corresponding to a 2 $\rm keV_{ee}$ reduction in the energy threshold.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

Avalanche gain and its effect on energy resolution in GEM-based detectors

We present avalanche gain and associated resolution measurements recorded with a $^4$He:CO$_2$ (70:30) gas mixture and pure SF$_6$, a Negative Ion (NI) gas. SF$_6$ is of particular interest to the directional dark matter detection community, as its low thermal diffusion helps to retain recoil ionization track features over long drift lengths. With the aid of a general form of the reduced first Townsend coefficient (RFTC), multiple GEM-based detector data sets are used to study the high-gain behavior of the $^4$He:CO$_2$ gas mixture. The high-gain data is well described purely in terms of the reduced electric field strength and the number of GEMs, and the robust relationship between the RFTC and the average, reduced, electric field strength across the GEMs is emphasized. The associated (pulse-height) resolution measurements are used to discuss the variance of the avalanche distribution and to describe and estimate the lower limits of energy resolution one should expect to measure using a simple relationship with the RFTC. In the end, a description of avalanche gain, its effect on energy resolution, and the contributing experimental parameters in GEM-based detectors is developed over a broad parameter space for further use.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

Primary track recovery in high-definition gas time projection chambers

We develop and validate a new algorithm called \textit{primary track recovery} (\ptr) that effectively deconvolves known physics and detector effects from nuclear recoil tracks in gas time projection chambers (TPCs) with high-resolution readout. This gives access to the primary track charge, length, and vector direction (helping to resolve the "head-tail" ambiguity). Additionally, \ptr provides a measurement of the transverse and longitudinal diffusion widths, which can be used to determine the absolute position of tracks in the drift direction for detector fiducialization. Using simulated helium recoils in an atmospheric pressure TPC with a 70:30 mixture of He:CO$_2$ we compare the performance of \ptr to traditional methods for all key track variables. We find that the algorithm reduces reconstruction errors, including those caused by charge integration, for tracks with mean length-to-width ratios 1.4 and above, corresponding to recoil energies of $20$ keV and above in the studied TPCs. We show that \ptr improves on existing methods for head-tail disambiguation, particularly for highly inclined tracks, and improves the determination of the absolute position of recoils on the drift axis via transverse diffusion. We find that \ptr can partially recover charge structure integrated out by the detector in the $z$ direction, but that its determination of energy and length have worse resolution compared to existing methods. We use experimental data to qualitatively verify these findings and discuss implications for future directional detectors at the low-energy frontier.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

Snowmass2021 Cosmic Frontier Dark Matter Direct Detection to the Neutrino Fog

We present a summary of future prospects for direct detection of dark matter within the GeV/c2 to TeV/c2 mass range. This is paired with a new definition of the neutrino fog in order to better quantify the rate of diminishing returns on sensitivity due to irreducible neutrino backgrounds. A survey of dark matter candidates predicted to fall within this mass range demonstrates that fully testing multiple well-motivated theo-ries will require expanding the currently-funded generation of experiments down to and past the neutrino fog. We end with the status and plans for next-generation exper-iments and novel R&D concepts which will get us there.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2021

First 3D vector tracking of helium recoils for fast neutron measurements at SuperKEKB

We present results from the first deployment of novel, high definition, compact gas Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) with pixel chip readout as part of the BEAST II beam background measurement project at SuperKEKB. The TPCs provide detailed 3D imaging of ionization from neutron-induced nuclear recoils in a helium and carbon dioxide target gas mixture at standard temperature and pressure. We find excellent electron background rejection, leading to background-free nuclear recoil measurements above 50 keVee, despite the extreme high-background environment. We measure an angular resolution better than 20° for recoil tracks longer than 1.7 mm, corresponding to an average ionization energy of ~100 keVee. We also obtain the 3D vector direction of helium recoils by utilizing charge profile measurements along the recoil axis, with a correct head/tail assignment efficiency of approximately 80%. With this performance, we present comparisons between measured and simulated event rates, recoil energy spectra, and directional distributions originating from beam-gas and Touschek beam losses at SuperKEKB. We utilize head/tail recognition to distinguish neutron components travelling with positive radial velocity in the Belle II coordinate system from those with opposite directionality. Finally, we present a novel method of discriminating beam-gas interactions from Touschek beam losses that can eliminate the need for dedicated accelerator runs for background measurements. This method is still statistics-limited. However, future studies should be able to verify this method, which in turn could lead to neutron background analysis runs symbiotic with normal Belle II operation. The capabilities demonstrated here also suggest that high definition recoil imaging in gas TPCs is applicable to low energy, low-background experiments, such as directional dark matter searches.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2021

Improved simulation of beam backgrounds and collimation at SuperKEKB

Mitigation of beam backgrounds via collimators is critical for the success of the Belle~II experiment at the SuperKEKB electron-positron collider. We report on an improved simulation methodology, which includes a refined physical description of the collimators and beam pipe, our first implementation of collimator tip scattering, and in which the existing beam particle tracking software has been embedded into a new sequential tracking framework. These improvements resolve longstanding discrepancies between measured and predicted Belle~II background levels, and significantly reduce the computing time required to optimize the collimation system in simulation. Finally, we report on collimator aperture scans, which confirm the accuracy of the simulation and suggest a new method for aligning the collimators.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2020

CYGNUS: Feasibility of a nuclear recoil observatory with directional sensitivity to dark matter and neutrinos

Now that conventional weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) dark matter searches are approaching the neutrino floor, there has been a resurgence of interest in detectors with sensitivity to nuclear recoil directions. A large-scale directional detector is attractive in that it would have sensitivity below the neutrino floor, be capable of unambiguously establishing the galactic origin of a purported dark matter signal, and could serve a dual purpose as a neutrino observatory. We present the first detailed analysis of a 1000 m$^3$-scale detector capable of measuring a directional nuclear recoil signal at low energies. We propose a modular and multi-site observatory consisting of time projection chambers (TPCs) filled with helium and SF$_6$ at atmospheric pressure. Depending on the TPC readout technology, 10-20 helium recoils above 6 keVr or only 3-4 recoils above 20 keVr would suffice to distinguish a 10 GeV WIMP signal from the solar neutrino background. High-resolution charge readout also enables powerful electron background rejection capabilities well below 10 keV. We detail background and site requirements at the 1000 m$^3$-scale, and identify materials that require improved radiopurity. The final experiment, which we name CYGNUS-1000, will be able to observe 10-40 neutrinos from the Sun, depending on the final energy threshold. With the same exposure, the sensitivity to spin independent cross sections will extend into presently unexplored sub-10 GeV parameter space. For spin dependent interactions, already a 10 m$^3$-scale experiment could compete with upcoming generation-two detectors, but CYGNUS-1000 would improve upon this considerably. Larger volumes would bring sensitivity to neutrinos from an even wider range of sources, including galactic supernovae, nuclear reactors, and geological processes.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2019

Compact, directional neutron detectors capable of high-resolution nuclear recoil imaging

We report on the design, production, and performance of compact 40-cm$^3$ Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) that detect fast neutrons by measuring the three-dimensional (3D) ionization distribution of nuclear recoils in $^4$He:CO$_2$ gas at atmospheric pressure. We use these detectors to characterize the fast-neutron flux inside the Belle II detector at the SuperKEKB electron-positron collider in Tsukuba, Japan, where the primary design constraint is a small form factor. We find that the TPCs meet or exceed all design specifications, and are capable of measuring the 3D surface shape and charge density profile of ionization clouds from nuclear recoils and charged tracks in exquisite detail. Scaled-up detectors based on the detection principle demonstrated here may be suitable for directional dark matter searches, measurements of coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering, and other experiments requiring precise detection of neutrons or nuclear recoils.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2019

Search for a light CP-odd Higgs boson and low-mass dark matter at the Belle experiment

We report on the first Belle search for a light CP-odd Higgs boson, $A^{0}$, that decays into low mass dark matter, $χ$, in final states with a single photon and missing energy. We search for events produced via the dipion transition $Υ(\textrm{2S})\rightarrowΥ(\textrm{1S})π^{+}π^{-}$, followed by the on-shell process $Υ(\textrm{1S})\rightarrowγA^{0}$ with $A^{0} \rightarrowχχ$, or by the off-shell process $Υ(\textrm{1S})\rightarrowγχχ$. Utilizing a data sample of 157.3 $\times$ 10$^{6}$ $Υ(\textrm{2S})$ decays, we find no evidence for a signal. We set limits on the branching fractions of such processes in the mass ranges $M_{A^{0}} <$ 8.97 $\textrm{GeV/}\textit{c}^{2}$ and $M_χ <$ 4.44 $\textrm{GeV/}\textit{c}^{2}$. We then use the limits on the off-shell process to set competitive limits on WIMP-nucleon scattering in the WIMP mass range below 5 $\textrm{GeV/}\textit{c}^{2}$.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2018

First Measurements of Beam Backgrounds at SuperKEKB

The high design luminosity of the SuperKEKB electron-positron collider is expected to result in challenging levels of beam-induced backgrounds in the interaction region. Properly simulating and mitigating these backgrounds is critical to the success of the Belle~II experiment. We report on measurements performed with a suite of dedicated beam background detectors, collectively known as BEAST II, during the so-called Phase 1 commissioning run of SuperKEKB in 2016, which involved operation of both the high energy ring (HER) of 7 GeV electrons as well as the low energy ring (LER) of 4 GeV positrons. We describe the BEAST II detector systems, the simulation of beam backgrounds, and the measurements performed. The measurements include standard ones of dose rates versus accelerator conditions, and more novel investigations, such as bunch-by-bunch measurements of injection backgrounds and measurements sensitive to the energy spectrum and angular distribution of fast neutrons. We observe beam-gas, Touschek, beam-dust, and injection backgrounds. We do not observe significant synchrotron radiation, as expected. Measured LER beam-gas backgrounds and Touschek backgrounds in both rings are slightly elevated, on average three times larger than the levels predicted by simulation. HER beam-gas backgrounds are on on average two orders of magnitude larger than predicted. Systematic uncertainties and channel-to-channel variations are large, so that these excesses constitute only 1-2 sigma level effects. Neutron background rates are higher than predicted and should be studied further. We will measure the remaining beam background processes, due to colliding beams, in the imminent commissioning Phase 2. These backgrounds are expected to be the most critical for Belle II, to the point of necessitating replacement of detector components during the Phase 3 (full-luminosity) operation of SuperKEB.

physics.ins-det↗