Professor Daniela Bortoletto

Abstract:

We present a search for a new particle T′ decaying to a top quark via T′→t+X, where X goes undetected. We use a data sample corresponding to 5.7fb-1 of integrated luminosity of pp̄ collisions with √s=1.96TeV, collected at Fermilab Tevatron by the CDF II detector. Our search for pair production of T′ is focused on the hadronic decay channel, pp̄→T′T ̄′→tt̄+XX̄→bqq̄b̄ qq̄+XX̄. We interpret our results in terms of a model where T ′ is an exotic fourth generation quark and X is a dark matter particle. The data are consistent with standard model expectations. We set a limit on the generic production of T′T̄′→tt̄+XX̄, excluding the fourth generation exotic quarks T′ at 95% confidence level up to m T′=400GeV/c2 for mX≤70GeV/c2. © 2011 American Physical Society.

Abstract:

We search for resonant production of tt̄ pairs in 4.8fb-1 integrated luminosity of pp̄ collision data at √s=1.96TeV in the lepton+jets decay channel, where one top quark decays leptonically and the other hadronically. A matrix-element reconstruction technique is used; for each event a probability density function of the tt̄ candidate invariant mass is sampled. These probability density functions are used to construct a likelihood function, whereby the cross section for resonant tt̄ production is estimated, given a hypothetical resonance mass and width. The data indicate no evidence of resonant production of tt̄ pairs. A benchmark model of leptophobic Z′→tt̄ is excluded with m Z′<900GeV/c2 at 95% confidence level. © 2011 American Physical Society.

Abstract:

We present a search for new physics in events with two high pT leptons of the same electric charge, using data with an integrated luminosity of 6.1fb-1. The observed data are consistent with standard model predictions. We set 95% C.L. lower limits on the mass of doubly charged scalars decaying to like-sign dileptons, mH±±>190-245GeV/ c2, assuming 100% BR to ee, μμ or eμ. © 2011 American Physical Society.

Abstract:

A search for physics beyond the standard model in events with at least three leptons and any number of jets is presented. The data sample corresponds to 35 pb-1 of integrated luminosity in pp collisions at s=7 TeV collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC. A number of exclusive multileptonic channels are investigated and standard model backgrounds are suppressed by requiring sufficient missing transverse energy, invariant mass inconsistent with that of the Z boson, or high jet activity. Control samples in data are used to ascertain the robustness of background evaluation techniques and to minimise the reliance on simulation. The observations are consistent with background expectations. These results constrain previously unexplored regions of supersymmetric parameter space. © 2011 CERN.