Supersymmetry (SUSY) is a groundbreaking theory in particle physics that aims to address unresolved questions within the field. It proposes the existence of “superpartners” for all known particles, each with unique properties. For instance, the heaviest quark in the Standard Model, the top quark, would have a corresponding superpartner known as the top squark or “stop.”
Recent Breakthroughs in Supersymmetry Research
In 2021, the CMS collaboration conducted an extensive analysis of collision data gathered between 2016 and 2018. Their findings suggested the potential presence of stop particles within the data set. To verify this discovery, the CMS collaboration implemented enhanced analysis techniques to reexamine the data, aiming to identify pairs of stops simultaneously produced in the collisions.
The Challenge of Background Estimation
One of the primary obstacles in analyzing stop particles is differentiating them from common Standard Model processes, such as the pair production of top quarks. To address this challenge, researchers typically utilize the “ABCD method” for estimating backgrounds from data. However, the correlated nature of variables in the stop search renders this conventional method ineffective.
To overcome the limitations of traditional background estimation methods, the CMS physicists introduced a novel approach based on advanced machine-learning techniques. By identifying two minimally correlated variables, the data set was divided into distinct regions to accurately predict background contributions without relying heavily on simulation models.
Enhanced Sensitivity and Discoveries
The application of this innovative analysis technique significantly increased the sensitivity of the CMS collaboration’s research, enabling them to pinpoint background sources more precisely and enhance their understanding of the data. While the 2021 analysis did not yield the anticipated signal of stop particles, it provided valuable insights into specific SUSY scenarios, indicating that stop particles with a mass exceeding 700 GeV may exist.
With a more refined analysis method in place, physicists are now poised to explore the data from the ongoing LHC Run 3 with heightened anticipation. The continuous refinement of analysis techniques and the utilization of cutting-edge methodologies are essential for unraveling the complexities of supersymmetry and uncovering the hidden secrets of the universe.
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