Showing 1–50 of 99 results for author: Fuks, B

Extracting a Toponium Signal at the LHC with Spin and Quantum Information Tools

Authors: Laura Antozzi, Esteban Chalbaud, Frédéric Déliot, Federica Fabbri, Miguel C. N. Fiolhais, Benjamin Fuks, António Onofre, Martin White, Pengxuan Zhu

Abstract: We investigate near-threshold top-antitop production at the LHC, focusing on the impact of toponium formation on spin correlations and quantum information properties of the final state. Considering the top-antitop system as a mixed two-qubit state, we reconstruct spin density matrices via quantum tomography and evaluate several observables including some inspired by quantum information. We then co… ▽ More We investigate near-threshold top-antitop production at the LHC, focusing on the impact of toponium formation on spin correlations and quantum information properties of the final state. Considering the top-antitop system as a mixed two-qubit state, we reconstruct spin density matrices via quantum tomography and evaluate several observables including some inspired by quantum information. We then compare their sensitivity in discriminating toponium effects from top-antitop production without these effects. Our results demonstrate that combining these variables is expected to significantly enhance sensitivity to toponium effects, bringing new ways to explore these subtle features. △ Less

Submitted 26 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: 18 pages, 5 figures

Long-lived Left-Right signals at the FCC-ee

Authors: Benjamin Fuks, Jonathan Kriewald, Miha Nemevšek, Fabrizio Nesti

Abstract: We give an extensive discussion of the displaced signals of heavy Majorana neutrino production at future electron-positron colliders operating at various proposed energies in the context of the Left-Right symmetric model. A comprehensive collection of channels is taken into account, ranging from those featuring $W$ and $W_R$ mediation to those induced by scalar mixing and gauge/scalar boson fusion… ▽ More We give an extensive discussion of the displaced signals of heavy Majorana neutrino production at future electron-positron colliders operating at various proposed energies in the context of the Left-Right symmetric model. A comprehensive collection of channels is taken into account, ranging from those featuring $W$ and $W_R$ mediation to those induced by scalar mixing and gauge/scalar boson fusion, with connections to the mechanism of neutrino mass origin. The emerging signatures feature possibly multiple displaced heavy neutrinos that are in some cases accompanied by prompt activity and forward leptons. We derive the corresponding total production rates and differential distributions, which allow us to differentiate the channels and have analytical estimates of the signal yield. We then develop realistic estimates of the selection efficiencies using a dedicated vertexing algorithm which establishes the displaced decay positions and supplies a reliable proxy for reconstructing the full four-momenta of long-lived particles. This allows to determine the realistic reaches in the parameter space of the Left-Right symmetric model across the various channels, and we show that these can strongly surpass the LHC ones, demonstrating that future lepton colliders are sensitive to left-right symmetry breaking scales in the deep multi-TeV regime. △ Less

Submitted 9 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: 58 pages, 26 figures, up to 4 displaced vertices

New physics in toponium's shadow?

Authors: Thomas Flacke, Benjamin Fuks, Dongchan Kim, Jinheung Kim, Seung J. Lee, Léandre Munoz-Aillaud

Abstract: ATLAS and CMS have recently reported enhancements in the top-antitop production rate near threshold, a region where non-perturbative QCD dynamics associated with toponium formation become relevant. We investigate how this behaviour is modified in the presence of a neutral pseudoscalar that couples to gluons and top quarks, using an effective description that consistently incorporates perturbative… ▽ More ATLAS and CMS have recently reported enhancements in the top-antitop production rate near threshold, a region where non-perturbative QCD dynamics associated with toponium formation become relevant. We investigate how this behaviour is modified in the presence of a neutral pseudoscalar that couples to gluons and top quarks, using an effective description that consistently incorporates perturbative Standard Model and new physics contributions, their interference and non-perturbative threshold effects. We show that the combined effect of those ingredients markedly shapes the viable region of the pseudoscalar parameter space, particularly for narrow resonances with masses close to twice the top mass. While Standard Model threshold effects could explain a sizeable part of the measured enhancements, the current data remain compatible with additional contributions from pseudoscalar interactions. △ Less

Submitted 2 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 8 pages, 3 figures

Report number: KIAS-Q25020

Statistical Indications of Toponium Formation in Top Quark Pair Production

Authors: Benjamin Fuks, Aminul Hossain, James Keaveney

Abstract: We present an analysis of six differential cross-section measurements of top-quark pair production in the dilepton channel from the ATLAS and CMS experiments. The data are compared to state-of-the-art QCD predictions with and without the inclusion of toponium formation effects. This contribution is modelled via a re-weighting of fixed-order matrix elements using the Green's function of the non-rel… ▽ More We present an analysis of six differential cross-section measurements of top-quark pair production in the dilepton channel from the ATLAS and CMS experiments. The data are compared to state-of-the-art QCD predictions with and without the inclusion of toponium formation effects. This contribution is modelled via a re-weighting of fixed-order matrix elements using the Green's function of the non-relativistic QCD Hamiltonian, and we employ a statistical model to quantify the preference of the data for the toponium hypothesis. All observables yield Bayes factors larger than unity, with two exceeding 20, yielding strong evidence for the toponium hypothesis in top-quark pair production at the LHC. △ Less

Submitted 23 January, 2026; v1 submitted 3 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 6 pages, 5 figures, 1 table; version accepted by PLB

Journal ref: Phys.Lett.B 873 (2026) 140179

Extracting Higgs Self-Coupling Constraints through Triple Higgs Boson Production at Future Hadron Colliders

Authors: Benjamin Fuks, Andreas Papaefstathiou, Gilberto Tetlalmatzi-Xolocotzi

Abstract: We present a systematic study of triple Higgs boson production at future high-energy hadron colliders, using the six-$b$-jet final state as a probe of the Higgs self-interactions. We conduct, under realistic detector smearing assumptions, both a traditional cut-based analysis, and a multivariate one using gradient boosting. The multivariate strategy is found to enhance sensitivity to beyond the St… ▽ More We present a systematic study of triple Higgs boson production at future high-energy hadron colliders, using the six-$b$-jet final state as a probe of the Higgs self-interactions. We conduct, under realistic detector smearing assumptions, both a traditional cut-based analysis, and a multivariate one using gradient boosting. The multivariate strategy is found to enhance sensitivity to beyond the Standard Model effects on the Higgs boson's self-couplings, while preserving large signal event yields, thus enabling more robust statistical inference. This allows us to assess the impact of detector effects, systematic uncertainties, background normalisation, as well as different truncation choices in an effective-field-theory description of the new physics effects possibly affecting the Higgs boson's self-interactions. Our results demonstrate that statistically-meaningful and perturbative-unitarity-compatible constraints on the trilinear and quartic Higgs boson self-couplings can be achieved, provided that systematic uncertainties are controlled at the few-percent level. Finally, we extrapolate our results to various collider energies and luminosities, demonstrating in particular that an 85 TeV proton-proton collider performs comparably to a 100 TeV machine. Altogether, our findings therefore establish the six-$b$ channel as a viable probe of the Higgs self-interactions at most future hadron collider options currently being examined by the high-energy physics community. △ Less

Submitted 17 November, 2025; v1 submitted 19 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 15 pages, 10 figures, 9 tables, two-column format. Matches published version

Report number: SI-HEP-2025-21, P3H-25-066, MCNET-25-24

Journal ref: Eur. Phys. J. C 85, 1309 (2025)

Prospects for toponium formation at the LHC in the single-lepton mode

Authors: Benjamin Fuks, Kaoru Hagiwara, Kai Ma, Léandre Munoz-Aillaud, Ya-Juan Zheng

Abstract: We investigate the formation of toponium in the single-leptonic final state at the LHC. Our study builds on our recently proposed framework that incorporates the associated non-perturbative effects into Monte Carlo simulations through the Green's function of the non-relativistic QCD Hamiltonian and the re-weighting of hard-scattering matrix elements. This allows us to perform a phenomenological an… ▽ More We investigate the formation of toponium in the single-leptonic final state at the LHC. Our study builds on our recently proposed framework that incorporates the associated non-perturbative effects into Monte Carlo simulations through the Green's function of the non-relativistic QCD Hamiltonian and the re-weighting of hard-scattering matrix elements. This allows us to perform a phenomenological analysis that demonstrates that a statistically significant excess from toponium formation could already be accessible in Run~2 data. Moreover, our results highlight observables that provide handles for signal characterisation and establish the single-leptonic channel as a competitive and complementary avenue for the ongoing exploration of toponium signatures at colliders. △ Less

Submitted 15 April, 2026; v1 submitted 3 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 7 pages, 2 figures; version accepted by PLB

Report number: KEK-TH-2751

Deep learning approaches to top FCNC couplings to photons at the LHC

Authors: Benjamin Fuks, Sumit K. Garg, A. Hammad, Adil Jueid

Abstract: We investigate the sensitivity of the LHC to flavour-changing neutral current interactions involving the top quark and a photon using a model-independent effective field theory framework, focusing on two complementary processes: single top production via $qg \to tγ$ and the rare decay $t \to qγ$ in top pair events. To enhance signal discrimination, we employ a range of deep learning classifiers, i… ▽ More We investigate the sensitivity of the LHC to flavour-changing neutral current interactions involving the top quark and a photon using a model-independent effective field theory framework, focusing on two complementary processes: single top production via $qg \to tγ$ and the rare decay $t \to qγ$ in top pair events. To enhance signal discrimination, we employ a range of deep learning classifiers, including multi-layer perceptrons, graph attention networks and transformers, and compare them against a traditional cut-based analysis. Our results demonstrate that attention-based architectures, in particular transformer networks, significantly outperform other strategies, yielding up to a factor of five improvement in the expected exclusion limits. In particular, we show that at the high-luminosity LHC, rare top branching ratios can be probed down to values as low as $10^{-6}$. Our results thus highlight the significant potential of attention-based architectures for improving the sensitivity to new physics signatures in top quark processes at colliders. △ Less

Submitted 15 February, 2026; v1 submitted 23 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: v2: matches published version in JHEP

Report number: CTPU-PTC-25-16

Journal ref: JHEP 02 (2026) 021

Searching for top-philic heavy resonances in boosted four-top final states

Authors: Luc Darmé, Benjamin Fuks, Hao-Lin Li, Matteo Maltoni, Julien Touchèque

Abstract: New heavy resonances with sizeable couplings to top quarks can be probed through searches for beyond-the-Standard-Model effects in four-top production at the LHC. In this work, we present the first next-to-leading-order QCD predictions for the full on-shell and off-shell production of four-top events via new electroweak singlet states, along with dedicated analysis strategies based on the reconstr… ▽ More New heavy resonances with sizeable couplings to top quarks can be probed through searches for beyond-the-Standard-Model effects in four-top production at the LHC. In this work, we present the first next-to-leading-order QCD predictions for the full on-shell and off-shell production of four-top events via new electroweak singlet states, along with dedicated analysis strategies based on the reconstruction and tagging of all final-state top quarks. We develop a detector-level simulation incorporating recent advances in top-tagging and boosted object reconstruction. Moreover, we demonstrate that searches at LHC Run 3 and high-luminosity phase in the zero-lepton, one-lepton and same-sign di-lepton channels can improve the sensitivity to the new physics cross sections by up to two orders of magnitude. In particular, colour-octet resonances with masses up to 2-2.5 TeV and colour-singlet states with masses up to 1-1.5 TeV are within reach for coupling values in the 0.1-1 range. △ Less

Submitted 7 November, 2025; v1 submitted 7 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: 38 pages, 12 figures, version accepted by JHEP

Report number: IRMP-CP3-25-24

Journal ref: JHEP 11 (2025) 91

Toponium physics at the Large Hadron Collider

Authors: Benjamin Fuks

Abstract: We examine toponium formation effects in top-antitop pair production at the LHC, focusing on the near-threshold region where non-relativistic corrections are relevant. We discuss their modelling using non-relativistic QCD Green's functions, and show that predictions reproduce features expected from bound-state dynamics, in contrast to pseudo-scalar toy models. We examine toponium formation effects in top-antitop pair production at the LHC, focusing on the near-threshold region where non-relativistic corrections are relevant. We discuss their modelling using non-relativistic QCD Green's functions, and show that predictions reproduce features expected from bound-state dynamics, in contrast to pseudo-scalar toy models. △ Less

Submitted 12 May, 2025; v1 submitted 6 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Comments: 6 pages, 2 figures, two references added; contribution to the 2025 Electroweak session of the 59th Rencontres de Moriond, La Thuile, Italy, March 23-30, 2025

t-channel dark matter at the LHC -- a whitepaper

Authors: Chiara Arina, Benjamin Fuks, Luca Panizzi, Michael J. Baker, Alan S. Cornell, Jan Heisig, Benedikt Maier, Rute Pedro, Dominique Trischuk, Diyar Agin, Alexandre Arbey, Giorgio Arcadi, Emanuele Bagnaschi, Kehang Bai, Disha Bhatia, Mathias Becker, Alexander Belyaev, Ferdinand Benoit, Monika Blanke, Jackson Burzynski, Jonathan M. Butterworth, Antimo Cagnotta, Lorenzo Calibbi, Linda M. Carpenter, Xabier Cid Vidal , et al. (45 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: This report, summarising work achieved in the context of the LHC Dark Matter Working Group, investigates the phenomenology of $t$-channel dark matter models, spanning minimal setups with a single dark matter candidate and mediator to more complex constructions closer to UV-complete models. For each considered class of models, we examine collider, cosmological and astrophysical implications. In add… ▽ More This report, summarising work achieved in the context of the LHC Dark Matter Working Group, investigates the phenomenology of $t$-channel dark matter models, spanning minimal setups with a single dark matter candidate and mediator to more complex constructions closer to UV-complete models. For each considered class of models, we examine collider, cosmological and astrophysical implications. In addition, we explore scenarios with either promptly decaying or long-lived particles, as well as featuring diverse dark matter production mechanisms in the early universe. By providing a unified analysis framework, numerical tools and guidelines, this work aims to support future experimental and theoretical efforts in exploring $t$-channel dark matter models at colliders and in cosmology. △ Less

Submitted 14 September, 2025; v1 submitted 14 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 101 pages, 55 figures; report of the LHC Dark Matter Working Group on t-channel dark matter models; version accepted by EPJC

Report number: CERN-LPCC-2025-001, IRMP-CP3-25-07, TTK-25-07

Journal ref: Eur.Phys.J.C 85 (2025) 975

Reinterpretation and preservation of data and analyses in HEP

Authors: Jon Butterworth, Sabine Kraml, Harrison Prosper, Andy Buckley, Louie Corpe, Cristinel Diaconu, Mark Goodsell, Philippe Gras, Martin Habedank, Clemens Lange, Kati Lassila-Perini, André Lessa, Rakhi Mahbubani, Judita Mamužić, Zach Marshall, Thomas McCauley, Humberto Reyes-Gonzalez, Krzysztof Rolbiecki, Sezen Sekmen, Giordon Stark, Graeme Watt, Jonas Würzinger, Shehu AbdusSalam, Aytul Adiguzel, Amine Ahriche , et al. (123 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Data from particle physics experiments are unique and are often the result of a very large investment of resources. Given the potential scientific impact of these data, which goes far beyond the immediate priorities of the experimental collaborations that obtain them, it is imperative that the collaborations and the wider particle physics community publish and preserve sufficient information to en… ▽ More Data from particle physics experiments are unique and are often the result of a very large investment of resources. Given the potential scientific impact of these data, which goes far beyond the immediate priorities of the experimental collaborations that obtain them, it is imperative that the collaborations and the wider particle physics community publish and preserve sufficient information to ensure that this impact can be realised, now and into the future. The information to be published and preserved includes the algorithms, statistical information, simulations and the recorded data. This publication and preservation requires significant resources, and should be a strategic priority with commensurate planning and resource allocation from the earliest stages of future facilities and experiments. △ Less

Submitted 31 March, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 10+9 pages, 4 figures; submitted to the European Strategy for Particle Physics Update 2026

Report number: CERN-LPCC-2025-002

Quantum Information meets High-Energy Physics: Input to the update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics

Authors: Yoav Afik, Federica Fabbri, Matthew Low, Luca Marzola, Juan Antonio Aguilar-Saavedra, Mohammad Mahdi Altakach, Nedaa Alexandra Asbah, Yang Bai, Hannah Banks, Alan J. Barr, Alexander Bernal, Thomas E. Browder, Paweł Caban, J. Alberto Casas, Kun Cheng, Frédéric Déliot, Regina Demina, Antonio Di Domenico, Michał Eckstein, Marco Fabbrichesi, Benjamin Fuks, Emidio Gabrielli, Dorival Gonçalves, Radosław Grabarczyk, Michele Grossi , et al. (46 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Some of the most astonishing and prominent properties of Quantum Mechanics, such as entanglement and Bell nonlocality, have only been studied extensively in dedicated low-energy laboratory setups. The feasibility of these studies in the high-energy regime explored by particle colliders was only recently shown and has gathered the attention of the scientific community. For the range of particles an… ▽ More Some of the most astonishing and prominent properties of Quantum Mechanics, such as entanglement and Bell nonlocality, have only been studied extensively in dedicated low-energy laboratory setups. The feasibility of these studies in the high-energy regime explored by particle colliders was only recently shown and has gathered the attention of the scientific community. For the range of particles and fundamental interactions involved, particle colliders provide a novel environment where quantum information theory can be probed, with energies exceeding by about 12 orders of magnitude those employed in dedicated laboratory setups. Furthermore, collider detectors have inherent advantages in performing certain quantum information measurements, and allow for the reconstruction of the state of the system under consideration via quantum state tomography. Here, we elaborate on the potential, challenges, and goals of this innovative and rapidly evolving line of research and discuss its expected impact on both quantum information theory and high-energy physics. △ Less

Submitted 8 October, 2025; v1 submitted 31 March, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 10 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: Eur.Phys.J.Plus 140 (2025) 9, 855

The Linear Collider Facility (LCF) at CERN

Authors: H. Abramowicz, E. Adli, F. Alharthi, M. Almanza-Soto, M. M. Altakach, S. Ampudia Castelazo, D. Angal-Kalinin, J. A. Anguiano, R. B. Appleby, O. Apsimon, A. Arbey, O. Arquero, D. Attié, J. L. Avila-Jimenez, H. Baer, Y. Bai, C. Balazs, P. Bambade, T. Barklow, J. Baudot, P. Bechtle, T. Behnke, A. B. Bellerive, S. Belomestnykh, Y. Benhammou , et al. (386 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: In this paper we outline a proposal for a Linear Collider Facility as the next flagship project for CERN. It offers the opportunity for a timely, cost-effective and staged construction of a new collider that will be able to comprehensively map the Higgs boson's properties, including the Higgs field potential, thanks to a large span in centre-of-mass energies and polarised beams. A comprehensive pr… ▽ More In this paper we outline a proposal for a Linear Collider Facility as the next flagship project for CERN. It offers the opportunity for a timely, cost-effective and staged construction of a new collider that will be able to comprehensively map the Higgs boson's properties, including the Higgs field potential, thanks to a large span in centre-of-mass energies and polarised beams. A comprehensive programme to study the Higgs boson and its closest relatives with high precision requires data at centre-of-mass energies from the Z pole to at least 1 TeV. It should include measurements of the Higgs boson in both major production mechanisms, ee -> ZH and ee -> vvH, precision measurements of gauge boson interactions as well as of the W boson, Higgs boson and top-quark masses, measurement of the top-quark Yukawa coupling through ee ->ttH, measurement of the Higgs boson self-coupling through HH production, and precision measurements of the electroweak couplings of the top quark. In addition, ee collisions offer discovery potential for new particles complementary to HL-LHC. △ Less

Submitted 19 June, 2025; v1 submitted 31 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: Submission to the ESPPU, as updated version May 26

Report number: DESY-25-054

Data Preservation in High Energy Physics

Authors: Alexandre Arbey, Jamie Boyd, Daniel Britzger, Concetta Cartaro, Gang Chen, Gabor David, Dmitri Denisov, Cristinel Diaconu, Dirk Duellmann, Marcus Ebert, Eckhard Elsen, Jacopo Fanini, Dillon S. Fitzgerald, Benjamin Fuks, Gerardo Ganis, Achim Geiser, Takanori Hara, Lukas Heinrich, Michael D. Hildreth, Julie M. Hogan, Henry Klest, Sabine Kraml, Eric Lançon, Clemens Lange, Kati Lassila-Perini , et al. (23 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Data preservation significantly increases the scientific output of high-energy physics experiments during and after data acquisition. For new and ongoing experiments, the careful consideration of long-term data preservation in the experimental design contributes to improving computational efficiency and strengthening the scientific activity in HEP through Open Science methodologies. This contribut… ▽ More Data preservation significantly increases the scientific output of high-energy physics experiments during and after data acquisition. For new and ongoing experiments, the careful consideration of long-term data preservation in the experimental design contributes to improving computational efficiency and strengthening the scientific activity in HEP through Open Science methodologies. This contribution is based on 15 years of experience of the DPHEP collaboration in the field of data preservation and focuses on aspects relevant for the strategic programming of particle physics in Europe: the preparation of future programs using data sets preserved from previous similar experiments (e.g. HERA for EIC), and the use of LHC data long after the end of the data taking. The lessons learned from past collider experiments and recent developments open the way to a number of recommendations for the full exploitation of the investments made in large HEP experiments. △ Less

Submitted 30 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: Contribution to the European Strategy for Particle Physics 2026

Report number: DPHEP-2025-01

Beautiful Majorana Higgses at Colliders

Authors: Benjamin Fuks, Jonathan Kriewald, Miha Nemevšek, Fabrizio Nesti

Abstract: We investigate a novel collider signature within the minimal Left-Right Symmetric Model, featuring a Higgs sector composed of a bi-doublet and two triplets. Our study focuses on a region of the parameter space where the $SU(2)_R$ charged gauge boson $W_R$ lies in the multi-TeV regime (3-100 TeV) and the additional Higgs states play a significant role. In this scenario, a heavy neutral Higgs boson… ▽ More We investigate a novel collider signature within the minimal Left-Right Symmetric Model, featuring a Higgs sector composed of a bi-doublet and two triplets. Our study focuses on a region of the parameter space where the $SU(2)_R$ charged gauge boson $W_R$ lies in the multi-TeV regime (3-100 TeV) and the additional Higgs states play a significant role. In this scenario, a heavy neutral Higgs boson $Δ$ with a dominant $SU(2)_R$ triplet component can be produced in association with either a Standard Model Higgs boson or a massive weak boson. The subsequent decay of the heavy Higgs into Majorana neutrinos $N$ results in displaced lepton signatures, providing a striking manifestation of lepton number violation. Additionally, we explore how the production of $b$-jets in these processes can enhance hadron-collider sensitivity to such signals. A particularly compelling channel, $pp \to b \bar b NN$, offers the exciting possibility of simultaneously probing the spontaneous mass origin of both Dirac fermions and Majorana states. Based on an optimised event selection strategy and state-of-the-art Monte Carlo simulations, we outline the expected reach at the HL-LHC and future colliders. Our findings demonstrate that this channel probes a region of parameter space where the neutral Higgs triplet and heavy neutrino masses are relatively light ($m_Δ\lesssim 250$ GeV, $m_N \lesssim 80$ GeV), indirectly constraining the $W_R$ boson to the deep multi-TeV domain, with sensitivity extending up to 70-80 TeV, effectively turning the LHC into a precision machine. △ Less

Submitted 4 April, 2025; v1 submitted 27 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 36 pages, 13 figures, v2: references updated

A Linear Collider Vision for the Future of Particle Physics

Authors: H. Abramowicz, E. Adli, F. Alharthi, M. Almanza-Soto, M. M. Altakach, W. Altmannshofer, S. Ampudia Castelazo, D. Angal-Kalinin, J. A. Anguiano, R. B. Appleby, O. Apsimon, A. Arbey, F. Arco, O. Arquero, A. Aryshev, S. Asai, D. Attie, J. L. Avila-Jimenez, H. Baer, J. A. Bagger, Y. Bai, I. R. Bailey, C. Balazs, P. Bambade, T. Barklow , et al. (426 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: In this paper we review the physics opportunities at linear $e^+e^-$ colliders with a special focus on high centre-of-mass energies and beam polarisation, take a fresh look at the various accelerator technologies available or under development and, for the first time, discuss how a facility first equipped with a technology mature today could be upgraded with technologies of tomorrow to reach much… ▽ More In this paper we review the physics opportunities at linear $e^+e^-$ colliders with a special focus on high centre-of-mass energies and beam polarisation, take a fresh look at the various accelerator technologies available or under development and, for the first time, discuss how a facility first equipped with a technology mature today could be upgraded with technologies of tomorrow to reach much higher energies and/or luminosities. In addition, we will discuss detectors and alternative collider modes, as well as opportunities for beyond-collider experiments and R\&D facilities as part of a linear collider facility (LCF). The material of this paper will support all plans for $e^+e^-$ linear colliders and additional opportunities they offer, independently of technology choice or proposed site, as well as R\&D for advanced accelerator technologies. This joint perspective on the physics goals, early technologies and upgrade strategies has been developed by the LCVision team based on an initial discussion at LCWS2024 in Tokyo and a follow-up at the LCVision Community Event at CERN in January 2025. It heavily builds on decades of achievements of the global linear collider community, in particular in the context of CLIC and ILC. △ Less

Submitted 23 December, 2025; v1 submitted 25 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: Community document for EPPSU, major updates of several sections, in particular the global interpretation section

Simulating toponium formation signals at the LHC

Authors: Benjamin Fuks, Kaoru Hagiwara, Kai Ma, Ya-Juan Zheng

Abstract: We present a method to simulate toponium formation events at the LHC using the Green's function of non-relativistic QCD in the Coulomb gauge, which governs the momentum distribution of top quarks in the presence of the QCD potential. This Green's function can be employed to re-weight any matrix elements relevant for $t\bar{t}$ production and decay processes where a colour-singlet top-antitop pair… ▽ More We present a method to simulate toponium formation events at the LHC using the Green's function of non-relativistic QCD in the Coulomb gauge, which governs the momentum distribution of top quarks in the presence of the QCD potential. This Green's function can be employed to re-weight any matrix elements relevant for $t\bar{t}$ production and decay processes where a colour-singlet top-antitop pair is produced in the $S$-wave at threshold. As an example, we study the formation of $η_t$ toponium states in the gluon fusion channel at the LHC, combining the re-weighted matrix elements with parton showering. △ Less

Submitted 7 February, 2025; v1 submitted 28 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: 16 pages, 7 figures, related code available from https://github.com/BFuks/toponium; version accepted by EPJC

Report number: KEK-TH-2668

Journal ref: Eur. Phys. J. C 85 (2025) 157

Improving smuon searches with Neural Networks

Authors: Alan S. Cornell, Benjamin Fuks, Mark D. Goodsell, Anele M. Ncube

Abstract: We demonstrate that neural networks can be used to improve search strategies, over existing strategies, in LHC searches for light electroweak-charged scalars that decay to a muon and a heavy invisible fermion. We propose a new search involving a neural network discriminator as a final cut and show that different signal regions can be defined using networks trained on different subsets of signal sa… ▽ More We demonstrate that neural networks can be used to improve search strategies, over existing strategies, in LHC searches for light electroweak-charged scalars that decay to a muon and a heavy invisible fermion. We propose a new search involving a neural network discriminator as a final cut and show that different signal regions can be defined using networks trained on different subsets of signal samples (distinguishing low-mass and high-mass regions). We also present a workflow using publicly-available analysis tools, that can lead, from background and signal simulation, to network training, through to finding projections for limits using an analysis and ${\tt ONNX}$ libraries to interface network and recasting tools. We provide an estimate of the sensitivity of our search from Run 2 LHC data, and projections for higher luminosities, showing a clear advantage over previous methods. △ Less

Submitted 7 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: 13 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Eur. Phys. J. C 85 (2025) 51

Hard processes in multi-TeV ion collisions

Authors: Benjamin Fuks, Fotis Marugas, Richard Ruiz, Alicja Sztandera

Abstract: Motivated by the ion-collision program at the Large Hadron Collider, plans for its high-luminosity upgrade, and on-going discussions for multi-TeV future hadron colliders, we systematically investigate hard-scattering, Standard Model processes in many-TeV ion-ion collisions. We focus on the symmetric beam configurations $^{208}$Pb-$^{208}$Pb, $^{131}$Xe-$^{131}$Xe, $^{12}$C-$^{12}$C, and $pp$, and… ▽ More Motivated by the ion-collision program at the Large Hadron Collider, plans for its high-luminosity upgrade, and on-going discussions for multi-TeV future hadron colliders, we systematically investigate hard-scattering, Standard Model processes in many-TeV ion-ion collisions. We focus on the symmetric beam configurations $^{208}$Pb-$^{208}$Pb, $^{131}$Xe-$^{131}$Xe, $^{12}$C-$^{12}$C, and $pp$, and we catalog total and fiducial cross sections for dozens of processes, ranging from associated-Higgs and multiboson production to associated-top pair production, at next-to-leading order in QCD for nucleon-nucleon collision energies from $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=1$ to $100$ TeV. We report the residual scale uncertainties at this order as well as the uncertainties originating from fits of nuclear parton densities. We also discuss the propagation of nuclear dynamics (as encoded in nuclear parton densities) into parton luminosities, and ultimately into predictions for cross sections. Finally, we report on the emergence of trends and the reliability of extrapolating cross sections across different nuclei. For Pb-Pb collisions at a hypothetical Future Circular Collider with $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=39$ TeV, $\mathcal{O}(10^{8})$ weak bosons, $\mathcal{O}(10^5)$ diboson pairs, $\mathcal{O}(10^4)$ $WH$ and $ZH$ pairs, $\mathcal{O}(10^3)$ triboson events, $\mathcal{O}(10^5)$ high-$p_T$ photons events, and $\mathcal{O}(10^7)$ $t\overline{t}$ pairs can be produced with $\mathcal{L}=33$~nb$^{-1}$ of data. At $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=5.52$ TeV, one can expect $\mathcal{O}(10-10^6)$ single, multiboson, and top events per $1$ nb$^{-1}$. Decay rates and experimental selection/acceptance rates will impact final event yields, and merits further study; as an illustrative example, we focus on select diboson and triboson channels in lead-lead collisions and discuss their observability at the high-luminosity phase of the LHC and the FCC. △ Less

Submitted 11 February, 2025; v1 submitted 29 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: 51 pages total, 18 figures (40 eps and pdf files), 9 long tables. Journal version, including extended discussions. Results unchanged

Report number: IFJPAN-IV-2024-7, COMETA-2024-09

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 111, 014025 (2025)

Boosting Beyond: A Novel Approach to Probing Top-Philic Resonances at the LHC

Authors: Luc Darmé, Benjamin Fuks, Hao-Lin Li, Matteo Maltoni, Olivier Mattelaer, Julien Touchèque

Abstract: We introduce a novel search strategy for heavy top-philic resonances that induce new contributions to four-top production at the LHC. We capitalize on recent advances in top-tagging performance to demonstrate that the final state, that is expected to be boosted based on current limits, can be fully reconstructed and exploited. Notably, our approach promises bounds on new physics cross-sections tha… ▽ More We introduce a novel search strategy for heavy top-philic resonances that induce new contributions to four-top production at the LHC. We capitalize on recent advances in top-tagging performance to demonstrate that the final state, that is expected to be boosted based on current limits, can be fully reconstructed and exploited. Notably, our approach promises bounds on new physics cross-sections that are a few to 60 times stronger than those obtained with existing searches, showcasing its unprecedented effectiveness in probing top-philic new physics. △ Less

Submitted 11 February, 2025; v1 submitted 22 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Comments: 6 pages, 2 figures; version accepted by PRD

Report number: IRMP-CP3-24-11

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 111 (2025) 055037

Flavour-changing top quark decays in the alternative left-right model

Authors: Mariana Frank, Benjamin Fuks, Sumit K. Garg, Poulose Poulose

Abstract: We examine flavour-changing neutral-current decays of the top quark, $t\to q γ$, $t \to qZ$, $t \to q H$, and $ t\to q g$ (with $q=u, c$), in the Alternative Left-Right Model, a left right-symmetric model featuring exotic quarks and light bosons. These decays have a very small probability of occurring within the Standard Model, but they can be enhanced in this model through the presence of the exo… ▽ More We examine flavour-changing neutral-current decays of the top quark, $t\to q γ$, $t \to qZ$, $t \to q H$, and $ t\to q g$ (with $q=u, c$), in the Alternative Left-Right Model, a left right-symmetric model featuring exotic quarks and light bosons. These decays have a very small probability of occurring within the Standard Model, but they can be enhanced in this model through the presence of the exotic states. While associated signals may be detected directly at the LHC, rare decays have the advantage of offering means to probe new particles indirectly, through loop-contributions. We perform a comprehensive analysis of the model's parameter space to demonstrate the possible existence of enhancements in the corresponding branching ratios, of $10^6$ for the branching ratios $\mathcal{B}(t\to uZ)$ and $\mathcal{B}(t \to uH)$, and in the range of $10^{2} - 10^{4}$ for the other decays, relative to the Standard Model. We subsequently determine the preferred parameter space regions of the model in terms of potential of being reached in the near future. △ Less

Submitted 1 March, 2024; v1 submitted 19 December, 2023; originally announced December 2023.

Comments: 8 pages, 2 figures; v2: some clarifications and references added, Matches the published version

Journal ref: Phys.Lett.B 850 (2024)138548

A novel search strategy for right-handed charged gauge bosons at the Large Hadron Collider

Authors: Mariana Frank, Benjamin Fuks, Adil Jueid, Stefano Moretti, Ozer Ozdal

Abstract: We explore the potential of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in detecting a signal originating from the production of a heavy $SU(2)_R$ charged gauge boson that then decays into a top-bottom quark pair via the mediation of a right-handed neutrino, $p p \to W_R \to N_R \ell \to (\ell' t b)\ell$. Such a channel, that we study in the context of the minimal Left-Right Symmetric Model, contrasts with co… ▽ More We explore the potential of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in detecting a signal originating from the production of a heavy $SU(2)_R$ charged gauge boson that then decays into a top-bottom quark pair via the mediation of a right-handed neutrino, $p p \to W_R \to N_R \ell \to (\ell' t b)\ell$. Such a channel, that we study in the context of the minimal Left-Right Symmetric Model, contrasts with conventional smoking-gun signatures targeted experimentally and phenomenologically in which only light quarks are involved. We propose a selection strategy aimed at extracting such a top-bottom signal and we estimate the resulting sensitivity of the LHC to the model. Our results demonstrate the potential impact of such a search and we therefore urge the experimental collaborations to carry out a similar analysis in the light of present and future data. △ Less

Submitted 29 February, 2024; v1 submitted 13 December, 2023; originally announced December 2023.

Comments: v1: 38 pages, 9 figures and 9 tables. v2: Matches published version in JHEP

Report number: CTPU-PTC-23-43

Comprehensive exploration of t-channel simplified models of dark matter

Authors: Chiara Arina, Benjamin Fuks, Jan Heisig, Michael Krämer, Luca Mantani, Luca Panizzi

Abstract: We analyse six classes of t-channel dark matter simplified models in which the Standard Model field content is extended by a coloured mediator and a dark matter state. The two new states are enforced to be odd under a new parity, while all Standard Model fields are taken even so that dark matter stability is guaranteed. We study several possibilities for the spin of the new particles and the self-… ▽ More We analyse six classes of t-channel dark matter simplified models in which the Standard Model field content is extended by a coloured mediator and a dark matter state. The two new states are enforced to be odd under a new parity, while all Standard Model fields are taken even so that dark matter stability is guaranteed. We study several possibilities for the spin of the new particles and the self-conjugate property of the dark matter, and we focus on model configurations in which the dark matter couples to the right-handed up quark for simplicity. We investigate how the parameter spaces of the six models can be constrained by current and future cosmological, astrophysical and collider searches, and we highlight the strong complementary between those probes. Our results demonstrate that scenarios featuring a complex (non self-conjugate) dark matter field are excluded by cosmology and astrophysics alone, the only possibility to avoid these bounds being to invoke very weak couplings and mechanisms such as conversion-driven freeze-out. For models with self-conjugate dark matter, mediator and dark matter masses are pushed deep into the TeV regime, with the lower limits on the mediator mass reaching 3 to 4 TeV and those on the dark matter mass 1 to 2 TeV. In large parts of the parameter space these strong bounds are driven by same-sign mediator pair production, a channel so far not considered in the experimental analyses embedding t-channel dark matter model interpretations. △ Less

Submitted 30 November, 2023; v1 submitted 19 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Comments: 20 pages, 6 figures; version accepted by PRD

Report number: TTK-23-19

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 108 (2023) 115007

Vector-Like Top Quark Production via an Electroweak Dipole Moment at a Muon Collider

Authors: Alexander Belyaev, R. Sekhar Chivukula, Benjamin Fuks, Elizabeth H. Simmons, Xing Wang

Abstract: Vectorial partners of the Standard Model quarks and leptons are predicted in many dynamical models of electroweak symmetry breaking. The most easily accessible of these new particles, either due to mass or couplings, are typically expected to be the partners of the third-generation fermions. It is therefore essential to explore the signatures of these particles at future high-energy colliders. We… ▽ More Vectorial partners of the Standard Model quarks and leptons are predicted in many dynamical models of electroweak symmetry breaking. The most easily accessible of these new particles, either due to mass or couplings, are typically expected to be the partners of the third-generation fermions. It is therefore essential to explore the signatures of these particles at future high-energy colliders. We study the potential of a high-energy muon collider to singly produce a vector-like top-quark partner via an electroweak dipole moment operator, such an operator being typical of composite constructions beyond the Standard Model. We use a phenomenological model for third-generation quarks and their partners that satisfies an extended custodial symmetry. This automatically protects the $W$-boson and $Z$-boson masses from receiving large electroweak corrections, and it allows the model to be viable given current electroweak data. We demonstrate that cross sections associated with dipole-induced vector-like quark production can easily exceed those inherent to more conventional single-production modes via ordinary electroweak couplings. We then explore the associated phenomenology, and we show that at least one (and often more than one) of the extra vector-like states can be studied at high-energy muon colliders. Typical accessible masses are found to range up to close to the kinematic production threshold, when the vector-like partners are produced in combination with an ordinary top quark. △ Less

Submitted 22 August, 2023; v1 submitted 19 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Comments: 37 pages, 11 figures, 1 table. matches published version

Journal ref: Phys.Rev.D 108 (2023) 3, 035016

UFO 2.0 -- The Universal Feynman Output format

Authors: Luc Darmé, Céline Degrande, Claude Duhr, Benjamin Fuks, Mark Goodsell, Gudrun Heinrich, Valentin Hirschi, Stefan Höche, Marius Höfer, Joshua Isaacson, Olivier Mattelaer, Thorsten Ohl, Davide Pagani, Jürgen Reuter, Peter Richardson, Steffen Schumann, Hua-Sheng Shao, Frank Siegert, Marco Zaro

Abstract: We present an update of the Universal FeynRules Output model format, commonly known as the UFO format, that is used by several automated matrix-element generators and high-energy physics software. We detail different features that have been proposed as extensions of the initial format during the last ten years, and collect them in the current second version of the model format that we coin the Uni… ▽ More We present an update of the Universal FeynRules Output model format, commonly known as the UFO format, that is used by several automated matrix-element generators and high-energy physics software. We detail different features that have been proposed as extensions of the initial format during the last ten years, and collect them in the current second version of the model format that we coin the Universal Feynman Output format. Following the initial philosophy of the UFO, they consist of flexible and modular additions to address particle decays, custom propagators, form factors, the renormalisation group running of parameters and masses, and higher-order quantum corrections. △ Less

Submitted 13 July, 2023; v1 submitted 19 April, 2023; originally announced April 2023.

Comments: 28 pages; version accepted by EPJC

Report number: BONN-TH-2023-03, DESY-23-051, FERMILAB-PUB-23-138-T, KA-TP-06-2023, MCNET-23-06, P3H-23-023, TIF-UNIMI-2023-11

Journal ref: Eur.Phys.J.C 83 (2023) 631

Searches for new physics with boosted top quarks in the MadAnalysis 5 and Rivet frameworks

Authors: Jack Y. Araz, Andy Buckley, Benjamin Fuks

Abstract: High-momentum top quarks are a natural physical system in collider experiments for testing models of new physics, and jet substructure methods are key both to exploiting their largest decay mode and to assuaging resolution difficulties as the boosted system becomes increasingly collimated in the detector. To be used in new-physics interpretation studies, it is crucial that related methods get impl… ▽ More High-momentum top quarks are a natural physical system in collider experiments for testing models of new physics, and jet substructure methods are key both to exploiting their largest decay mode and to assuaging resolution difficulties as the boosted system becomes increasingly collimated in the detector. To be used in new-physics interpretation studies, it is crucial that related methods get implemented in analysis frameworks allowing for the reinterpretation of the results of the LHC such as MadAnalysis 5 and Rivet. We describe the implementation of the HEPTopTagger algorithm in these two frameworks, and we exemplify the usage of the resulting functionalities to explore the sensitivity of boosted top reconstruction performance to new physics contributions from the Standard Model Effective Field Theory. The results of this study lead to important conclusions about the implicit assumption of Standard-Model-like top-quark decays in associated collider analyses, and for the prospects to constrain the Standard Model Effective Field Theory via kinematic observables built from boosted semileptonic top-antitop events selected using HEPTopTagger. △ Less

Submitted 7 July, 2023; v1 submitted 6 March, 2023; originally announced March 2023.

Comments: 19 pages, 5 figures; version accepted by EPJC

Report number: IPPP/23/12, MCNET-23-04

Journal ref: Eur. Phys. J. C 83 (2023) 664

Report of the Topical Group on Physics Beyond the Standard Model at Energy Frontier for Snowmass 2021

Authors: Tulika Bose, Antonio Boveia, Caterina Doglioni, Simone Pagan Griso, James Hirschauer, Elliot Lipeles, Zhen Liu, Nausheen R. Shah, Lian-Tao Wang, Kaustubh Agashe, Juliette Alimena, Sebastian Baum, Mohamed Berkat, Kevin Black, Gwen Gardner, Tony Gherghetta, Josh Greaves, Maxx Haehn, Phil C. Harris, Robert Harris, Julie Hogan, Suneth Jayawardana, Abraham Kahn, Jan Kalinowski, Simon Knapen , et al. (297 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: This is the Snowmass2021 Energy Frontier (EF) Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) report. It combines the EF topical group reports of EF08 (Model-specific explorations), EF09 (More general explorations), and EF10 (Dark Matter at Colliders). The report includes a general introduction to BSM motivations and the comparative prospects for proposed future experiments for a broad range of potential BSM mode… ▽ More This is the Snowmass2021 Energy Frontier (EF) Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) report. It combines the EF topical group reports of EF08 (Model-specific explorations), EF09 (More general explorations), and EF10 (Dark Matter at Colliders). The report includes a general introduction to BSM motivations and the comparative prospects for proposed future experiments for a broad range of potential BSM models and signatures, including compositeness, SUSY, leptoquarks, more general new bosons and fermions, long-lived particles, dark matter, charged-lepton flavor violation, and anomaly detection. △ Less

Submitted 18 October, 2022; v1 submitted 26 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Comments: 108 pages + 38 pages references and appendix, 37 figures, Report of the Topical Group on Beyond the Standard Model Physics at Energy Frontier for Snowmass 2021. The first nine authors are the Conveners, with Contributions from the other authors

Single Vector-Like top quark production via chromomagnetic interactions at present and future hadron colliders $-$A Snowmass 2021 White Paper

Authors: Alexander Belyaev, R. Sekhar Chivukula, Benjamin Fuks, Elizabeth H. Simmons, Xing Wang

Abstract: In our recent paper, we have investigated the potential for the LHC to discover vector-like quark partner states singly produced via their chromomagnetic moment interactions. These production mechanisms extend traditional searches which rely on pair-production of top-quark partner states or on the single production of these states through electroweak interactions, in the sense of providing greatly… ▽ More In our recent paper, we have investigated the potential for the LHC to discover vector-like quark partner states singly produced via their chromomagnetic moment interactions. These production mechanisms extend traditional searches which rely on pair-production of top-quark partner states or on the single production of these states through electroweak interactions, in the sense of providing greatly increased reach in parameter space regions where traditional searches are insensitive. In this study we determine the potential of both the 14 TeV high-luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) and a 100 TeV proton-proton collider to probe new vector-like quarks produced in this mode. We focus on the single production of a top-quark partner in association with an ordinary top-quark, as well as on the resonant production of the bottom-quark partner with its subsequent decay to a top-quark partner and a $W$ boson. For both cases we consider a top-partner decay to the Higgs boson and an ordinary top-quark. We find that HL-LHC and a future 100 TeV proton collider can probe vector-like partner masses up to about 3 TeV and 15-20 TeV respectively, visibly extending the range of the traditional vector like quark partner searches. △ Less

Submitted 8 September, 2022; v1 submitted 7 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Comments: 14 pages, 5 figures. Contribution to Snowmass 2021. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:2107.12402

Strength in numbers: optimal and scalable combination of LHC new-physics searches

Authors: Jack Y. Araz, Andy Buckley, Benjamin Fuks, Humberto Reyes-Gonzalez, Wolfgang Waltenberger, Sophie L. Williamson, Jamie Yellen

Abstract: To gain a comprehensive view of what the LHC tells us about physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM), it is crucial that different BSM-sensitive analyses can be combined. But in general, search analyses are not statistically orthogonal, so performing comprehensive combinations requires knowledge of the extent to which the same events co-populate multiple analyses' signal regions. We present a novel… ▽ More To gain a comprehensive view of what the LHC tells us about physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM), it is crucial that different BSM-sensitive analyses can be combined. But in general, search analyses are not statistically orthogonal, so performing comprehensive combinations requires knowledge of the extent to which the same events co-populate multiple analyses' signal regions. We present a novel, stochastic method to determine this degree of overlap and a graph algorithm to efficiently find the combination of signal regions with no mutual overlap that optimises expected upper limits on BSM-model cross-sections. The gain in exclusion power relative to single-analysis limits is demonstrated with models with varying degrees of complexity, ranging from simplified models to a 19-dimensional supersymmetric model. △ Less

Submitted 22 December, 2022; v1 submitted 31 August, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Comments: 35 pages, 15 figures. Updated version for SciPost submission

Report number: IPPP/22/65, MCnet-22-16

Journal ref: SciPost Phys. 14, 077 (2023)

Explaining the hints for lepton flavour universality violation with three $S_2$ leptoquark generations

Authors: Andreas Crivellin, Benjamin Fuks, Luc Schnell

Abstract: Leptoquarks are prime candidates for explaining the intriguing hints for lepton flavour universality violation. In particular, the $SU(2)_L$ doublet of scalar leptoquarks $S_2$ is capable of providing an explanation for the tensions between the measurements and the Standard Model predictions in $(g-2)_μ$, $b\to s\ell^+ \ell^-$ and $b\to cτν$ processes, as well as in non-resonant di-electron produc… ▽ More Leptoquarks are prime candidates for explaining the intriguing hints for lepton flavour universality violation. In particular, the $SU(2)_L$ doublet of scalar leptoquarks $S_2$ is capable of providing an explanation for the tensions between the measurements and the Standard Model predictions in $(g-2)_μ$, $b\to s\ell^+ \ell^-$ and $b\to cτν$ processes, as well as in non-resonant di-electron production. However, in the minimal setup with a single leptoquark generation, a common explanation for all these issues is not possible as this would lead to unacceptably large charged lepton flavour violation. We therefore propose a model with three generations of $S_2$, each coupling exclusively to a single lepton flavour, \textit{i.e.}~a model extending the Standard Model particle content by an electroquark, a muoquark and a tauquark. We show that after taking into account other constraints, such as those originating from electroweak precision observables and $ΔF=2$ processes, it is possible to provide a combined explanation for all these hints of lepton flavour universality violation. Moreover, we find that the presence of the tauquark can generate a dimension-six ${\cal O}_9^U$ operator via off-shell photon penguin diagrams, which, together with the muoquark contribution, further improves the global fit to $b \to s \ell^+ \ell^-$ data. △ Less

Submitted 30 June, 2022; v1 submitted 18 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: 48 pages, 11 figures

Report number: MPP-2022-30, PSI-PR-22-07, ZU-TH 08/22

Phenomenological aspects of composite Higgs scenarios: exotic scalars and vector-like quarks

Authors: Avik Banerjee, Diogo Buarque Franzosi, Giacomo Cacciapaglia, Aldo Deandrea, Gabriele Ferretti, Thomas Flacke, Benjamin Fuks, Manuel Kunkel, Luca Panizzi, Werner Porod, Leonard Schwarze

Abstract: Composite Higgs models usually contain additional pseudo Nambu Goldstone bosons and vector-like quarks. We discuss various aspects related to their LHC phenomenology and provide summary plots of exclusion limits using currently available information. We also describe a general parametrisation implemented in a software for Monte Carlo simulations and study the SU(5)/SO(5) scenario as a concrete exa… ▽ More Composite Higgs models usually contain additional pseudo Nambu Goldstone bosons and vector-like quarks. We discuss various aspects related to their LHC phenomenology and provide summary plots of exclusion limits using currently available information. We also describe a general parametrisation implemented in a software for Monte Carlo simulations and study the SU(5)/SO(5) scenario as a concrete example. △ Less

Submitted 27 June, 2022; v1 submitted 14 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: contribution to Snowmass 2021. V2: Fig. 4 updated, V3: Figures and references updated

Report number: KIAS-A22001

Soft gluon resummation for associated squark-electroweakino production at the LHC

Authors: J. Fiaschi, B. Fuks, M. Klasen, A. Neuwirth

Abstract: We perform a threshold resummation calculation for the associated production of squarks and electroweakinos at the LHC to the next-to-leading logarithmic (NLL) accuracy. Analytical results for the process-dependent soft anomalous dimension and the hard matching coefficient are presented. The resummed results are matched to fixed-order predictions at next-to-leading order (NLO) in QCD, which are ge… ▽ More We perform a threshold resummation calculation for the associated production of squarks and electroweakinos at the LHC to the next-to-leading logarithmic (NLL) accuracy. Analytical results for the process-dependent soft anomalous dimension and the hard matching coefficient are presented. The resummed results are matched to fixed-order predictions at next-to-leading order (NLO) in QCD, which are generalised to scenarios with non-universal squark masses and mixings. Numerically, the NLL contributions increase the total NLO cross section by $2\%$ to $6\%$ for squark masses ranging from 1 TeV to 3 TeV, respectively, and they reduce the dependence of the predictions on the factorisation and renormalisation scales from typically $\pm10\%$ to below $\pm5\%$. Our NLO and NLO+NLL calculations have been implemented in the publicly available program Resummino. △ Less

Submitted 21 June, 2022; v1 submitted 27 February, 2022; originally announced February 2022.

Comments: 27 pages, 8 figures, 3 tables, JHEP version

Report number: MS-TP-22-05, LTH 1299

Journal ref: JHEP 06 (2022) 130

Recasting LHC searches for long-lived particles with MadAnalysis 5

Authors: Jack Y. Araz, Benjamin Fuks, Mark D. Goodsell, Manuel Utsch

Abstract: We present an extension of the simplified fast detector simulator of MadAnalysis 5 - the SFS framework - with methods making it suitable for the treatment of long-lived particles of any kind. This allows users to make use of intuitive Python commands and straightforward C++ methods to introduce detector effects relevant for long-lived particles, and to implement selection cuts and plots related to… ▽ More We present an extension of the simplified fast detector simulator of MadAnalysis 5 - the SFS framework - with methods making it suitable for the treatment of long-lived particles of any kind. This allows users to make use of intuitive Python commands and straightforward C++ methods to introduce detector effects relevant for long-lived particles, and to implement selection cuts and plots related to their properties. In particular, the impact of the magnetic field inside a typical high-energy physics detector on the trajectories of any charged object can now be easily simulated. As an illustration of the capabilities of this new development, we implement three existing LHC analyses dedicated to long-lived objects, namely a CMS run 2 search for displaced leptons in the $eμ$ channel (CMS-EXO-16-022), the full run 2 CMS search for disappearing track signatures (CMS-EXO-19-010), and the partial run 2 ATLAS search for displaced vertices featuring a pair of oppositely-charged leptons (ATLAS-SUSY-2017-04). We document the careful validation of all MadAnalysis 5 SFS implementations of these analyses, which are publicly available as entries in the MadAnalysis 5 Public Analysis Database and its associated dataverse. △ Less

Submitted 4 July, 2022; v1 submitted 9 December, 2021; originally announced December 2021.

Comments: 26 pages, 12 figures; version accepted by EPJC

Report number: IPPP/21/49

Journal ref: Eur. Phys. J. C82 (2022) 597

Phenomenological analysis of multi-pseudoscalar mediated dark matter models

Authors: Shankha Banerjee, Geneviève Bélanger, Disha Bhatia, Benjamin Fuks, Sreerup Raychaudhuri

Abstract: Non-minimal simplified extensions of the Standard Model have gained considerable currency in the context of dark matter searches at the LHC, since they predict enhanced mono-Higgs and mono-$W/Z$ signatures over large parts of the parameter space. However, these non-minimal models obviously lack the simplicity and directness of the original simplified models, and are more heavily dependent on the m… ▽ More Non-minimal simplified extensions of the Standard Model have gained considerable currency in the context of dark matter searches at the LHC, since they predict enhanced mono-Higgs and mono-$W/Z$ signatures over large parts of the parameter space. However, these non-minimal models obviously lack the simplicity and directness of the original simplified models, and are more heavily dependent on the model assumptions. We propose to classify these models generically on the basis of additional mediator(s) and dark matter particles. As an example, we take up a scenario involving multiple pseudoscalar mediators, and a single Dirac dark matter particle, the latter being a popular introduction to ensure ultraviolet completion of theories with multiple pseudoscalar fields. In the chosen scenario, we discuss the viable channels and signatures of relevance at the future runs of the LHC. These are then compared with the minimal simplified scenarios and distinguishing features are pinpointed. △ Less

Submitted 21 July, 2022; v1 submitted 28 October, 2021; originally announced October 2021.

Comments: matches the published version: JHEP 07 (2022) 111

Report number: CERN-TH-2021-174

Boosted decision trees in the era of new physics: a smuon analysis case study

Authors: Alan S. Cornell, Wesley Doorsamy, Benjamin Fuks, Gerhard Harmsen, Lara Mason

Abstract: Machine learning algorithms are growing increasingly popular in particle physics analyses, where they are used for their ability to solve difficult classification and regression problems. While the tools are very powerful, they may often be under- or mis-utilised. In the following, we investigate the use of gradient boosting techniques as applicable to a generic particle physics problem. We use as… ▽ More Machine learning algorithms are growing increasingly popular in particle physics analyses, where they are used for their ability to solve difficult classification and regression problems. While the tools are very powerful, they may often be under- or mis-utilised. In the following, we investigate the use of gradient boosting techniques as applicable to a generic particle physics problem. We use as an example a Beyond the Standard Model smuon collider analysis which applies to both current and future hadron colliders, and we compare our results to a traditional cut-and-count approach. In particular, we interrogate the use of metrics in imbalanced datasets which are characteristic of high energy physics problems, offering an alternative to the widely used area under the curve (auc) metric through a novel use of the F-score metric. We present an in-depth comparison of feature selection and investigation using a principal component analysis, Shapley values, and feature permutation methods in a way which we hope will be widely applicable to future particle physics analyses. Moreover, we show that a machine learning model can extend the 95% confidence level exclusions obtained in a traditional cut-and-count analysis, while potentially bypassing the need for complicated feature selections. Finally, we discuss the possibility of constructing a general machine learning model which is applicable to probe a two-dimensional mass plane. △ Less

Submitted 25 May, 2022; v1 submitted 24 September, 2021; originally announced September 2021.

Comments: 35 pages, 7 images

Journal ref: JHEP 04 (2022) 015

Scalar leptoquark pair production at the LHC: precision predictions in the era of flavour anomalies

Authors: Christoph Borschensky, Benjamin Fuks, Anna Kulesza, Daniel Schwartländer

Abstract: We comprehensively examine precision predictions for scalar leptoquark pair production at the LHC. In particular, we investigate the impact of lepton $t$-channel exchange diagrams that are potentially relevant in the context of leptoquark scenarios providing an explanation for the flavour anomalies. We also evaluate the corresponding total rates at the next-to-leading order in QCD. Moreover, we co… ▽ More We comprehensively examine precision predictions for scalar leptoquark pair production at the LHC. In particular, we investigate the impact of lepton $t$-channel exchange diagrams that are potentially relevant in the context of leptoquark scenarios providing an explanation for the flavour anomalies. We also evaluate the corresponding total rates at the next-to-leading order in QCD. Moreover, we complement this calculation with the resummation of soft-gluon radiation at the next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy, hence providing the most precise predictions for leptoquark pair production at the LHC to date. Relying on a variety of benchmark scenarios favoured by the anomalies, our results exhibit an interesting interplay between the $t$-channel diagram contributions, the flavour texture satisfied by the leptoquark Yukawa couplings, the leptoquark masses and their representations under the Standard Model gauge group, as well as the chosen set of parton densities used for the numerical evaluations. The net effect on a cross section turns out to be very non-generic and ranges up to about 60% with respect to the usual next-to-leading-order predictions in QCD (i.e. without any $t$-channel contribution) for some scenarios considered. Dedicated calculations are thus required for any individual leptoquark model that could be considered in a collider analysis in order to assess the size of the studied corrections. In order to facilitate such calculations we provide dedicated public numerical packages. △ Less

Submitted 18 February, 2022; v1 submitted 25 August, 2021; originally announced August 2021.

Comments: 33 pages, 7 figures, numerical codes available from https://www.uni-muenster.de/Physik.TP/research/kulesza/leptoquarks.html

Journal ref: JHEP 02 (2022) 157

Vector-Like top quark production via a chromo-magnetic moment at the LHC

Authors: Alexander Belyaev, R. Sekhar Chivukula, Benjamin Fuks, Elizabeth H. Simmons, Xing Wang

Abstract: Theories which provide a dynamical explanation for the large top-quark mass often include TeV-scale vector-like top-quark and bottom-quark partner states which can be potentially discovered at the LHC. These states are currently probed through model-independent searches for pair-production via gluon fusion, as well as through model-dependent complementary electroweak single production. In this pap… ▽ More Theories which provide a dynamical explanation for the large top-quark mass often include TeV-scale vector-like top-quark and bottom-quark partner states which can be potentially discovered at the LHC. These states are currently probed through model-independent searches for pair-production via gluon fusion, as well as through model-dependent complementary electroweak single production. In this paper we study the potential to extend those searches for the partners of the third-generation Standard Model quarks on the basis of their expected chromomagnetic interactions. We discuss how current searches for "excited" bottom-quarks produced via $b$-gluon fusion through chromomagnetic interactions are relevant, and provide significant constraints. We then explore the region of the parameter space in which the bottom-quark partner is heavier than the top-quark partner, in which case the top-partner can be primarily produced via the decay of the bottom-partner. Next, we probe the potential of the production of a single top-quark partner in association with an ordinary top-quark by gluon-fusion. Kinematically these two new processes are similar, and they yield the production of a heavy top partner and a lighter Standard Model state, a pattern which allows for the rejection of the associated dominant Standard Model backgrounds. We examine the sensitivity of these modes in the case where the top-partner subsequently decays to a Higgs boson and an ordinary top-quark, and we demonstrate that these new channels have the potential of extending and complementing the conventional strategies at LHC run III and at the high-luminosity phase of the LHC. In this last case, we find that partner masses that range up to about 3 TeV can be reached. This substantially expands the expected mass reach for these new states, including regions of parameter space that are inaccessible by traditional searches. △ Less

Submitted 8 November, 2022; v1 submitted 26 July, 2021; originally announced July 2021.

Comments: 32 pages, 10 figures. matches published version

Single production of vector-like quarks: the effects of large width, interference and NLO corrections

Authors: Aldo Deandrea, Thomas Flacke, Benjamin Fuks, Luca Panizzi, Hua-Sheng Shao

Abstract: We provide a comprehensive discussion, together with a complete setup for simulations, relevant for the production of a single vector-like quark at hadron colliders. Our predictions include finite width effects, signal-background interference effects and next-to-leading order QCD corrections. We explicitly apply the framework to study the single production of a vector-like quark $T$ with charge 2/… ▽ More We provide a comprehensive discussion, together with a complete setup for simulations, relevant for the production of a single vector-like quark at hadron colliders. Our predictions include finite width effects, signal-background interference effects and next-to-leading order QCD corrections. We explicitly apply the framework to study the single production of a vector-like quark $T$ with charge 2/3, but the same procedure can be used to analyse the single production of vector-like quarks with charge $-4/3$, $-1/3$, $2/3$ and $5/3$, when the vector-like quark interacts with the Standard Model quarks and electroweak bosons. Moreover, this procedure can be straightforwardly extended to include additional interactions with exotic particles. We provide quantitative results for representative benchmark scenarios characterised by the $T$ mass and width, and we determine the role of the interference terms for a range of masses and widths of phenomenological significance. We additionally describe in detail, both analytically and numerically, a striking feature in the invariant mass distribution appearing only in the $T \to th$ channel. △ Less

Submitted 20 September, 2022; v1 submitted 18 May, 2021; originally announced May 2021.

Comments: 55 pages, 27 figures, v3:typo in normalization factors Eq.(3.13) fixed, Fig. 4 replaced

Report number: CTPU-PTC-21-18

Journal ref: JHEP 08 (2021) 107; JHEP 11 (2022) 028 (erratum)

Top-philic heavy resonances in four-top final states and their EFT interpretation

Authors: Luc Darmé, Benjamin Fuks, Fabio Maltoni

Abstract: With an expected rate of about one event per 100,000 top-quark pairs, four top-quark final states very rarely arise at the LHC. Though scarce, they offer a unique window onto top-quark compositeness, self-interactions and more generically, onto any top-philic new physics. By employing simplified models featuring heavy resonances, we study the range of validity of effective theory interpretations o… ▽ More With an expected rate of about one event per 100,000 top-quark pairs, four top-quark final states very rarely arise at the LHC. Though scarce, they offer a unique window onto top-quark compositeness, self-interactions and more generically, onto any top-philic new physics. By employing simplified models featuring heavy resonances, we study the range of validity of effective theory interpretations of current four top-quark analyses at the LHC and establish their future reach at the HL-LHC. We find that for the class of models under consideration, the effective field theory interpretations are not applicable. We therefore present the most up-to-date limits obtained from public CMS analyses using simplified models. Finally, we put forward a novel recasting strategy for the experimental results based on the production of top quarks with large transverse momentum. △ Less

Submitted 13 October, 2021; v1 submitted 19 April, 2021; originally announced April 2021.

Comments: 28 pages, 9 figures, 6 tables. References added, matches published version

Journal ref: J. High Energ. Phys. 2021, 143

Proceedings of the second MadAnalysis 5 workshop on LHC recasting in Korea

Authors: Benjamin Fuks, Pyungwon Ko, Seung J. Lee, Jack Y. Araz, Eric Conte, Robin Ducrocq, Thomas Flacke, Si Hyun Jeon, Taejeong Kim, Richard Ruiz, Dipan Sengupta, Sam Bein, Jin Choi, Luc Darmé, Mark D. Goodsell, Ho Jang, Adil Jueid, Won Jun, Yechan Kang, Jeongwoo Kim, Jihun Kim, Jinheung Kim, Jehyun Lee, Joon-Bin Lee, SooJin Lee , et al. (10 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We document the activities performed during the second MadAnalysis 5 workshop on LHC recasting, that was organised in KIAS (Seoul, Korea) on February 12-20, 2020. We detail the implementation of 12 new ATLAS and CMS searches in the MadAnalysis 5 Public Analysis Database, and the associated validation procedures. Those searches probe the production of extra gauge and scalar/pseudoscalar bosons, sup… ▽ More We document the activities performed during the second MadAnalysis 5 workshop on LHC recasting, that was organised in KIAS (Seoul, Korea) on February 12-20, 2020. We detail the implementation of 12 new ATLAS and CMS searches in the MadAnalysis 5 Public Analysis Database, and the associated validation procedures. Those searches probe the production of extra gauge and scalar/pseudoscalar bosons, supersymmetry, seesaw models and deviations from the Standard Model in four-top production. △ Less

Submitted 6 January, 2021; originally announced January 2021.

Comments: 119 pages, 37 figures, 48 tables and 12 new analyses added to the MadAnalysis 5 Public Analysis Database. More information available from https://indico.cern.ch/event/873524/ and http://madanalysis.irmp.ucl.ac.be/wiki/PublicAnalysisDatabase

Journal ref: MPLA Vol. 36, No. 01, 2102001 (2021)

Probing the Weinberg Operator at Colliders

Authors: Benjamin Fuks, Jonas Neundorf, Krisztian Peters, Richard Ruiz, Matthias Saimpert

Abstract: Motivated by searches for $0νββ$ decay in nuclear experiments and collider probes of lepton number violation at dimension $d\geq7$, we investigate the sensitivity to the $d=5$ Weinberg operator using the non-resonant signature $pp\to \ell^\pm \ell'^{\pm} j j$ at the LHC. We develop a prescription for the operator that is applicable in collisions and decays, and focus on the $\ell\ell'=μμ$ channel,… ▽ More Motivated by searches for $0νββ$ decay in nuclear experiments and collider probes of lepton number violation at dimension $d\geq7$, we investigate the sensitivity to the $d=5$ Weinberg operator using the non-resonant signature $pp\to \ell^\pm \ell'^{\pm} j j$ at the LHC. We develop a prescription for the operator that is applicable in collisions and decays, and focus on the $\ell\ell'=μμ$ channel, which is beyond the reach of nuclear decays. For a Wilson coefficient $C^{μμ}_5=1$, scales as heavy as $Λ\sim 8.3~(11)$~TeV can be probed with $\mathcal{L}=300~{\rm fb}^{-1}~(3~{\rm ab}^{-1})$. This translates to an effective $μμ$ Majorana mass of $\vert m_{μμ}\vert\sim7.3~(5.4)$~GeV, and establishes a road map for testing the Weinberg operator at accelerators. △ Less

Submitted 14 June, 2021; v1 submitted 17 December, 2020; originally announced December 2020.

Comments: Journal version. 9 pages including an extended technical appendix; 4 figures; 4 tables; UFO models available from https://feynrules.irmp.ucl.ac.be/wiki/SMWeinberg

Report number: CP3-20-63, DESY 20-230, IFJPAN-IV-2021-3, MCNet-20-23

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 103, 115014 (2021)

Majorana Neutrinos in Same-Sign $W^\pm W^\pm$ Scattering at the LHC: Breaking the TeV Barrier

Authors: Benjamin Fuks, Jonas Neundorf, Krisztian Peters, Richard Ruiz, Matthias Saimpert

Abstract: We revisit the sensitivity to non-resonant, heavy Majorana neutrinos $N$ in same-sign $W^\pm W^\pm$ scattering at the $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV LHC and its high-luminosity upgrade. As a benchmark scenario, we work in the context of the Phenomenological Type I Seesaw model, relying on a simulation up to next-to-leading order in QCD with parton shower matching. After extensively studying the phenomenology o… ▽ More We revisit the sensitivity to non-resonant, heavy Majorana neutrinos $N$ in same-sign $W^\pm W^\pm$ scattering at the $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV LHC and its high-luminosity upgrade. As a benchmark scenario, we work in the context of the Phenomenological Type I Seesaw model, relying on a simulation up to next-to-leading order in QCD with parton shower matching. After extensively studying the phenomenology of the $pp\toμ^\pmμ^\pm j j$ process at the amplitude and differential levels, we design a simple collider analysis with remarkable signal-background separation power. At 95\% confidence level we find that the squared muon-heavy neutrino mixing element $\vert V_{μN} \vert^{2}$ can be probed down to about $0.06-0.3 ~ (0.03-0.1)$ for $m_N = 1-10~{\rm TeV}$ with $\mathcal{L}=300$ fb$^{-1}~(3$ ab$^{-1})$. For heavier masses of $m_N = 20~{\rm TeV}$, we report sensitivity for $\vert V_{μN} \vert^{2}\gtrsim 0.5~(0.3)$. The $W^\pm W^\pm$ scattering channel can greatly extend the mass range covered by current LHC searches for heavy Majorana neutrinos and particularly adds invaluable sensitivity above a few hundred GeV. We comment on areas where the analysis can be improved as well as on the applicability to other tests of neutrino mass models. △ Less

Submitted 10 March, 2021; v1 submitted 4 November, 2020; originally announced November 2020.

Comments: Journal version: results unchanged, only minor revisions w.r.t. v1. 31 pages (including three appendices), nine figures (23 png and pdf files), eight tables

Report number: CP3-20-50, DESY 20-186, MCNet-20-24, VBSCAN-PUB-11-20, IFJPAN-IV-2021-2

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 103, 055005 (2021)

Closing in on $t$-channel simplified dark matter models

Authors: Chiara Arina, Benjamin Fuks, Luca Mantani, Hanna Mies, Luca Panizzi, Jakub Salko

Abstract: A comprehensive analysis of cosmological and collider constraints is presented for three simplified models characterised by a dark matter candidate (real scalar, Majorana fermion and real vector) and a coloured mediator (fermion, scalar and fermion respectively) interacting with the right-handed up quark of the Standard Model. Constraints from dark matter direct and indirect detection and relic de… ▽ More A comprehensive analysis of cosmological and collider constraints is presented for three simplified models characterised by a dark matter candidate (real scalar, Majorana fermion and real vector) and a coloured mediator (fermion, scalar and fermion respectively) interacting with the right-handed up quark of the Standard Model. Constraints from dark matter direct and indirect detection and relic density are combined with bounds originating from the re-interpretation of a full LHC run 2 ATLAS search targeting final states with multiple jets and missing transverse energy. Projections for the high-luminosity phase of the LHC are also provided to assess future exclusion and discovery reaches, which show that analogous future search strategies will not allow for a significant improvement compared with the present status. From the cosmological point of view, we demonstrate that thermal dark matter is largely probed (and disfavoured) by constraints from current direct and indirect detection experiments. These bounds and their future projections have moreover the potential of probing the whole parameter space when combined with the expectation of the high-luminosity phase of the LHC. △ Less

Submitted 31 December, 2020; v1 submitted 15 October, 2020; originally announced October 2020.

Comments: 8 pages, 3 figures, version accepted by PLB

Report number: P3H-20-058, TTK-20-35, CP3-20-47

Journal ref: Phys. Lett. B813 (2021) 136038

Positivity in electron-positron scattering: testing the axiomatic quantum field theory principles and probing the existence of UV states

Authors: Benjamin Fuks, Yiming Liu, Cen Zhang, Shuang-Yong Zhou

Abstract: We consider the positivity bounds on dimension-8 four-electron operators and study two related phenomenological aspects at future lepton colliders. First, if positivity is violated, probing such violations will revolutionize our understanding of the fundamental pillars of quantum field theory and the $S$-matrix theory. We observe that positivity violation at scales of 1--10 TeV can potentially be… ▽ More We consider the positivity bounds on dimension-8 four-electron operators and study two related phenomenological aspects at future lepton colliders. First, if positivity is violated, probing such violations will revolutionize our understanding of the fundamental pillars of quantum field theory and the $S$-matrix theory. We observe that positivity violation at scales of 1--10 TeV can potentially be probed at future lepton colliders even if one assumes that dimension-6 operators are also present. Second, the positive nature of the dimension-8 parameter space often allows us to either directly infer the existence of UV-scale particles together with their quantum numbers or exclude them up to certain scales in a model-independent way. In particular, dimension-8 positivity plays an important role in the test of the Standard Model. If no deviations from the Standard Model are observed, it allows for simultaneous exclusion limits on all kinds of potential UV-complete models. Unlike the dimension-6 case, these limits apply regardless of the UV model setup and cannot be removed by possible cancellations among various UV contributions. This thus consists of a novel and universal test to confirm the Standard Model. We demonstrate with realistic examples how all the previously mentioned possibilities, including the test of positivity violation, can be achieved. Hence, we provide an important motivation for studying dimension-8 operators more comprehensively. △ Less

Submitted 20 January, 2021; v1 submitted 4 September, 2020; originally announced September 2020.

Comments: 24 pages, 6 figures; typos corrected

Report number: USTC-ICTS/PCFT-20-25

Journal ref: Chin. Phys. C45 (2021) 023108

Simplified fast detector simulation in MadAnalysis 5

Authors: Jack Y. Araz, Benjamin Fuks, Georgios Polykratis

Abstract: We introduce a new simplified fast detector simulator in the MadAnalysis 5 platform. The Python-like interpreter of the programme has been augmented by new commands allowing for a detector parametrisation through smearing and efficiency functions. On run time, an associated C++ code is automatically generated and executed to produce reconstructed-level events. In addition, we have extended the Mad… ▽ More We introduce a new simplified fast detector simulator in the MadAnalysis 5 platform. The Python-like interpreter of the programme has been augmented by new commands allowing for a detector parametrisation through smearing and efficiency functions. On run time, an associated C++ code is automatically generated and executed to produce reconstructed-level events. In addition, we have extended the MadAnalysis 5 recasting infrastructure to support our detector emulator, and we provide predefined LHC detector configurations. We have compared predictions obtained with our approach to those resulting from the usage of the Delphes 3 software, both for Standard Model processes and a few new physics signals. Results generally agree to a level of about 10% or better, the largest differences in the predictions stemming from the different strategies that are followed to model specific detector effects. Equipped with these new functionalities, MadAnalysis 5 now offers a new user-friendly way to include detector effects when analysing collider events, the simulation of the detector and the analysis being both handled either through a set of intuitive Python commands or directly within the C++ core of the platform. △ Less

Submitted 12 April, 2021; v1 submitted 16 June, 2020; originally announced June 2020.

Comments: 22 pages, 7 figures, 10 tables; version accepted by EPJC

Journal ref: Eur. Phys. J. C81 (2021) 329

Reinterpretation of LHC Results for New Physics: Status and Recommendations after Run 2

Authors: Waleed Abdallah, Shehu AbdusSalam, Azar Ahmadov, Amine Ahriche, Gaël Alguero, Benjamin C. Allanach, Jack Y. Araz, Alexandre Arbey, Chiara Arina, Peter Athron, Emanuele Bagnaschi, Yang Bai, Michael J. Baker, Csaba Balazs, Daniele Barducci, Philip Bechtle, Aoife Bharucha, Andy Buckley, Jonathan Butterworth, Haiying Cai, Claudio Campagnari, Cari Cesarotti, Marcin Chrzaszcz, Andrea Coccaro, Eric Conte , et al. (117 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report on the status of efforts to improve the reinterpretation of searches and measurements at the LHC in terms of models for new physics, in the context of the LHC Reinterpretation Forum. We detail current experimental offerings in direct searches for new particles, measurements, technical implementations and Open Data, and provide a set of recommendations for further improving the presentati… ▽ More We report on the status of efforts to improve the reinterpretation of searches and measurements at the LHC in terms of models for new physics, in the context of the LHC Reinterpretation Forum. We detail current experimental offerings in direct searches for new particles, measurements, technical implementations and Open Data, and provide a set of recommendations for further improving the presentation of LHC results in order to better enable reinterpretation in the future. We also provide a brief description of existing software reinterpretation frameworks and recent global analyses of new physics that make use of the current data. △ Less

Submitted 21 July, 2020; v1 submitted 17 March, 2020; originally announced March 2020.

Comments: 58 pages, minor revision following comments from SciPost referees

Report number: CERN-LPCC-2020-001, FERMILAB-FN-1098-CMS-T, Imperial/HEP/2020/RIF/01

Journal ref: SciPost Phys. 9, 022 (2020)

Les Houches 2019 Physics at TeV Colliders: New Physics Working Group Report

Authors: G. Brooijmans, A. Buckley, S. Caron, A. Falkowski, B. Fuks, A. Gilbert, W. J. Murray, M. Nardecchia, J. M. No, R. Torre, T. You, G. Zevi Della Porta, G. Alguero, J. Y. Araz, S. Banerjee, G. Bélanger, T. Berger-Hryn'ova, J. Bernigaud, A. Bharucha, D. Buttazzo, J. M. Butterworth, G. Cacciapaglia, A. Coccaro, L. Corpe, N. Desai , et al. (65 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: This report presents the activities of the `New Physics' working group for the `Physics at TeV Colliders' workshop (Les Houches, France, 10--28 June, 2019). These activities include studies of direct searches for new physics, approaches to exploit published data to constrain new physics, as well as the development of tools to further facilitate these investigations. Benefits of machine learning fo… ▽ More This report presents the activities of the `New Physics' working group for the `Physics at TeV Colliders' workshop (Les Houches, France, 10--28 June, 2019). These activities include studies of direct searches for new physics, approaches to exploit published data to constrain new physics, as well as the development of tools to further facilitate these investigations. Benefits of machine learning for both the search for new physics and the interpretation of these searches are also presented. △ Less

Submitted 27 February, 2020; originally announced February 2020.

Comments: Proceedings of the BSM Session of the Les Houches 2019 workshop, 227 pages

Precision predictions for scalar leptoquark pair-production at hadron colliders

Authors: Christoph Borschensky, Benjamin Fuks, Anna Kulesza, Daniel Schwartländer

Abstract: We revisit scalar leptoquark pair-production at hadron colliders and significantly improve the level of precision of the cross section calculations. Apart from QCD contributions, we include lepton t-channel exchange diagrams that turn out to be relevant in the light of the recent B-anomalies. We evaluate all contributions at next-to-leading-order accuracy in QCD and resum, in the threshold regime,… ▽ More We revisit scalar leptoquark pair-production at hadron colliders and significantly improve the level of precision of the cross section calculations. Apart from QCD contributions, we include lepton t-channel exchange diagrams that turn out to be relevant in the light of the recent B-anomalies. We evaluate all contributions at next-to-leading-order accuracy in QCD and resum, in the threshold regime, soft-gluon radiation at next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy. Our predictions consist hence in the most precise leptoquark cross section calculations available to date, and are necessary for the best exploitation of leptoquark searches at the LHC. △ Less

Submitted 9 June, 2020; v1 submitted 20 February, 2020; originally announced February 2020.

Comments: 7 pages, 2 figures; version accepted by PRD

Report number: MS-TP-20-09

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 101, 115017 (2020)

A universal framework for t-channel dark matter models

Authors: Chiara Arina, Benjamin Fuks, Luca Mantani

Abstract: We present the DMSimpt model implementation in FeynRules, which aims to offer a unique general framework allowing for all simulations relevant for simplified $t$-channel dark matter models at colliders and for the complementary cosmology calculations. We describe how to match next-to-leading-order QCD fixed-order calculations with parton showers to derive robust bounds and predictions in the conte… ▽ More We present the DMSimpt model implementation in FeynRules, which aims to offer a unique general framework allowing for all simulations relevant for simplified $t$-channel dark matter models at colliders and for the complementary cosmology calculations. We describe how to match next-to-leading-order QCD fixed-order calculations with parton showers to derive robust bounds and predictions in the context of LHC dark matter searches, and moreover validate two model restrictions (relevant for Dirac and Majorana fermionic dark matter respectively) to exemplify how to evaluate dark matter observables to constrain the model parameter space. More importantly, we emphasise how to achieve these results by using a combination of publicly available automated tools, and discuss how dark matter predictions are sensitive to the model file and software setup. All files, together with illustrative Mathematica notebooks, are available from the URL http://feynrules.irmp.ucl.ac.be/wiki/DMsimpt. △ Less

Submitted 27 July, 2020; v1 submitted 14 January, 2020; originally announced January 2020.

Comments: 20 pages, 10 figures, version accepted by EPJC. A typo in a snippet of code has been fixed

Report number: CP3-20-01, MCNET-20-01

Journal ref: Eur. Phys. J. C80 (2020) 409

Charting the European Course to the High-Energy Frontier

Authors: U. Amaldi, E. Aslanides, R. Barate, C. Benvenuti, P. Bloch, T. Camporesi, A. David, D. Denegri, M. Diemoz, L. Di Lella, G. Dissertori, N. Doble, J. Dumarchez, J. Ellis, J. Engelen, C. Fabjan, B. Fuks, P. Gavillet, A. Hoecker, J. Iliopoulos, P. Innocenti, W. Kozanecki, P. Lebrun, C. Llewellyn Smith, C. Lourenço , et al. (28 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We review the capabilities of two projects that have been proposed as the next major European facility, for consideration in the upcoming update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics: CLIC and FCC. We focus on their physics potentials and emphasise the key differences between the linear or circular approaches. We stress the uniqueness of the FCC-ee programme for precision electroweak physi… ▽ More We review the capabilities of two projects that have been proposed as the next major European facility, for consideration in the upcoming update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics: CLIC and FCC. We focus on their physics potentials and emphasise the key differences between the linear or circular approaches. We stress the uniqueness of the FCC-ee programme for precision electroweak physics at the $Z$ peak and the $WW$ threshold, as well as its unequalled statistics for Higgs physics and high accuracy for observing possible new phenomena in Higgs and $Z$ decays, whereas CLIC and FCC-ee offer similar capabilities near the $t \overline t$ threshold. Whilst CLIC offers the possibility of energy upgrades to 1500 and 3000 GeV, FCC-ee paves the way for FCC-hh. The latter offers unique capabilities for making direct or indirect discoveries in a new energy range, and has the highest sensitivity to the self-couplings of the Higgs boson and any anomalous couplings. We consider the FCC programme to be the best option to maintain Europe's place at the high-energy frontier during the coming decades. △ Less

Submitted 31 December, 2019; originally announced December 2019.

Comments: Contribution to the update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics