AION/Magis

Abstract:

A search for long-lived particles in events with significant missing transverse momentum and at least one displaced vertex is presented. This analysis is performed using 137 fb−1 of pp collision data collected between 2016–2018 during Run 2 of the Large Hadron Collider by the ATLAS detector. Displaced vertices are identified using two different secondary vertexing algorithms, including a novel “fuzzy” vertexing algorithm optimized for identifying displaced decays of heavy quarks. Separate searches are performed using each algorithm, and the expected Standard Model background is independently estimated for each search using a data-driven procedure. No significant excess is observed over the background in either case. The results are used to set 95% confidence-level limits on potential beyond-the-Standard Model physics that could produce this final state. Results are interpreted in the context of four models: long-lived gluinos that form R-hadrons before decaying, neutralinos decaying via Higgs-mediated channels in the Bino-Wino coannihilation model, long-lived Higgsinos decaying to axinos, and an exotic Higgs portal model predicting displaced decays of light pseudoscalars.

Abstract:

The ATLAS Collaboration at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider is at the forefront of particle physics research and is equally committed to bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and the wider public. Since 2010, the ATLAS Virtual Visits programme has provided live, interactive tours of the ATLAS detector and control room to global audiences in their language, without the need to travel. The programme has grown significantly since its inception, as demonstrated by quantitative data collected since January 2019 and case studies of large-scale implementations in Brazil and Greece. The impact on individual participants is also discussed.

Abstract:

Abstract A parametric simulation tool for pixel sensors is presented. A realistic pixel response is simulated purely based on measurement input, without requiring detailed knowledge of the underlying manufacturing process. As such, it provides an efficient alternative to the use of Technology Computer-Aided Design simulations, which typically depend on proprietary process information. Due to its parametric approach, the package is fast and thus particularly useful for larger detector systems and high hit rate environments. This work presents measurements, simulation and its validation for the MALTA2 sensor. It is a small collection electrode monolithic active pixel sensor produced in the Tower 180 nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor imaging process. Modifications to the sensor’s periphery, mainly in the hit merger, are studied in order to optimize the performance for tracking and calorimetry. This optimization is of special interest as part of the MALTA3 sensor redesign in the 65 nm Tower Partners Semiconductor Co. process.

Abstract:

This paper reports a search for decays of long-lived charginos or τ-sleptons to final states containing a short disappearing track, a single high-energy jet, and missing transverse momentum. The search uses 137 fb−1 of data from 13 TeV proton–proton collisions recorded by the ATLAS detector during Run 2 of the LHC. Multiple search regions are defined, all requiring the presence of a track reconstructed from either three or four measurements in the innermost layers of the ATLAS detector. Regions with tracks having only three measurements are further characterised by the absence or presence of a low-energy charged pion reconstructed using a dedicated algorithm, leveraging machine learning. Data-driven methods are used to estimate the background contributions in the search regions. No significant excesses are found and 95% CL lower limits are placed on the masses of charginos and τ-sleptons in the lifetime range 0.01–10 ns. Observed (expected) mass limits of up to 225 GeV (250 GeV) are set for pure-higgsino charginos in scenarios with lifetimes below 0.03 ns, where the electroweakino mass splitting is entirely due to loop corrections involving the Standard Model bosons, and up to 720 GeV (840 GeV) for charginos with a lifetime of around 1 ns. For wino production, charginos with masses up to 880 GeV (1020 GeV) are excluded for lifetimes of around 1 ns. For τ-sleptons with lifetimes of around 1 ns, masses are excluded up to 320 GeV (390 GeV) in Constrained Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model scenarios and 300 GeV (380 GeV) in Gauge-Mediated Supersymmetry-Breaking scenarios.

Abstract:

A search is presented for emerging jets using 140fb-1$$140~\textrm{fb}^{-1}$$ of proton–proton collision data at s=13TeV$$\sqrt{s} = 13~\textrm{TeV}$$, collected by the ATLAS experiment between 2015 and 2018. The search looks for the existence of a dark sector with symmetries similar to those in quantum chromodynamics. This dark sector is populated with dark quarks, which undergo showering similar to quarks in the Standard Model, leading to a high multiplicity of long-lived dark hadrons within a dark jet. These dark hadrons subsequently decay to Standard Model particles via a new heavy scalar mediating particle ϕ$$\phi $$. This results in jets which contain multiple displaced vertices, known as emerging jets. This analysis targets four-jet topologies, with two emerging jets and two Standard Model jets, resulting from the decay of pair-produced scalar mediators. No significant excess above the Standard Model background is observed. For dark pion proper decay lengths of 20mm$$20~\textrm{mm}$$, mediator masses are excluded between 1 and 2TeV$$2~\textrm{TeV}$$ assuming a dark pion mass of 20GeV$$20~\textrm{GeV}$$.