Supersymmetry (SUSY) is a captivating theory that aims to address some of the fundamental questions in particle physics by proposing the existence of “superpartners” for known particles. One striking prediction of SUSY is the presence of a superpartner for the top quark, known as the top squark or “stop.”
The recent analysis conducted by the CMS collaboration in 2021 focused on exploring the possibility of detecting stop particles using collision data from 2016 to 2018. The quest to identify such elusive particles is hindered by the resemblance of their decay signature to that of common Standard Model processes, such as top quark pair production. The complexity lies in accurately distinguishing between signal events containing stops and background events from other processes that mimic the same final state.
Traditionally, the “ABCD method” has been a go-to technique for estimating backgrounds in particle physics analyses. However, in the case of stop searches, the method falls short due to the correlation between variables, rendering it ineffective. In response to this limitation, physicists at CMS have devised a novel approach that leverages advanced machine-learning techniques to identify uncorrelated variables for the division of data into signal- and background-enriched regions.
By utilizing this innovative method, the CMS collaboration was able to make precise predictions of background contributions in the stop search analysis based on observed data alone. This breakthrough not only eliminated the need for uncertain simulations but also significantly enhanced the sensitivity of the analysis. The absence of a signal in the data indicates that, in certain SUSY scenarios, stops decaying into top quarks and jets must have a mass exceeding 700 GeV.
With the success of the refined analysis technique, physicists are now poised to delve deeper into the ongoing data from the LHC Run 3 in search of elusive clues to supersymmetry. The improved sensitivity and accuracy brought about by this cutting-edge approach have paved the way for a more comprehensive exploration of the mysteries that lie hidden in the subatomic realm. As the quest for supersymmetry continues, researchers remain vigilant in their pursuit of understanding the intricate fabric of the universe.
The pursuit of supersymmetry in particle physics represents a captivating journey filled with challenges and groundbreaking discoveries. Through innovative analysis techniques and relentless determination, scientists are pushing the boundaries of knowledge to unravel the mysteries of the universe at its most fundamental level. The quest for supersymmetry not only sheds light on the underlying structure of matter but also serves as a testament to the ingenuity and tenacity of the human spirit in the face of the unknown.
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