Supersymmetry, also known as SUSY, is a theoretical framework that seeks to extend our understanding of the fundamental particles and forces in the universe. It proposes the existence of new particles, known as supersymmetric particles, which could solve many of the unanswered questions in physics. Recently, a research paper titled “Conciliating SUSY with the Z-peaked excess” by Vasiliki A. Mitsou delved into the intriguing relationship between SUSY and an observed excess in the channel of Z boson, jets, and high missing transverse momentum. In this article, we will explore the concepts of SUSY, the Z-peaked excess, and the implications of this research, while also discussing the possibilities of explaining the excess through SUSY and the predictions for future experiments.
What is SUSY?
Supersymmetry is a theoretical framework that suggests the existence of a symmetry between fermions (particles with half-integer spin, such as quarks and electrons) and bosons (particles with integer spin, such as photons and gluons). According to SUSY, for every known particle, there exists a partner particle with similar properties but differing in spin. These hypothetical partner particles, often referred to as sparticles, have not been observed in experiments so far.
One of the main motivations for proposing SUSY is that it could provide a solution to various unresolved issues in particle physics, such as the hierarchy problem and the nature of dark matter. By introducing new particles, SUSY could stabilize the mass of the Higgs boson and offer a possible candidate for dark matter, which constitutes a significant portion of the universe’s mass but interacts weakly with ordinary matter.
What is the Z-peaked excess?
The Z-peaked excess refers to an observed excess of events in the channel of Z boson, jets, and high missing transverse momentum. This excess was observed by the ATLAS experiment during the analysis of the full 2012 dataset at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) operating at 8 TeV. The presence of this excess raised intriguing questions about its origin and compatibility with the framework of supersymmetry.
What are the implications of this excess?
The existence of the Z-peaked excess could have significant implications for both the study of supersymmetry and our understanding of the fundamental particles and forces in the universe. If the excess is indeed related to supersymmetry, it would provide experimental evidence for the existence of supersymmetric particles, confirming a key prediction of the theory.
Furthermore, the measured Higgs boson properties, which play a crucial role in the framework of SUSY, need to be compatible with the kinematical features and abundance of the observed excess. Additionally, the excess could shed light on the properties and abundance of dark matter, potentially providing valuable insights into this elusive component of our universe.
Can the excess be explained by SUSY?
In the research article, Mitsou et al. explored the possibility of explaining the Z-peaked excess within the framework of supersymmetry. Their findings suggest that the excess can indeed be reproduced by considering relatively light gluinos, a type of supersymmetric particle, together with a heavy neutralino Next-to-Lightest Supersymmetric Particle (NLSP). The NLSP predominantly decays into a Z boson and a light gravitino, fitting the kinematical features of the observed excess.
This specific scenario is not the only possible explanation. Other more complex models featuring light gluinos or heavy particles with a strong production cross section, capable of producing at least one Z boson in their decay chain, could also reproduce the observed excess. These findings emphasize the need for further research and experimentation to confirm or refute the compatibility between the excess and SUSY.
What is the general gauge mediation model?
Mitsou et al. constructed an explicit general gauge mediation model that can match the observed Z-peaked excess. The general gauge mediation model is a theoretical framework that describes the transmission of supersymmetry breaking effects from a hidden sector to the observable sector through gauge interactions.
This model enables the exploration of the dynamics and interactions between supersymmetric particles and their Standard Model counterparts. By considering the specific features and parameters of the Z-peaked excess, Mitsou et al. developed a model that provides a potential explanation for the observed excess, helping in understanding the underlying physics behind it.
What are the predictions for Run II at LHC?
Looking ahead to future experiments, particularly the second run of the LHC (Run II), the predictions for the Z-peaked excess become crucial in guiding research efforts. The scaling of the Z peak in Run II will allow for a more precise analysis of the excess, enabling researchers to validate or revise existing explanations.
Additionally, by studying the excess in Run II, scientists aim to gain insights into the properties of gluinos and other supersymmetric particles. These findings will contribute to our understanding of the fundamental particles and forces in the universe and offer new perspectives on the viability of supersymmetry as a theoretical framework.
What are the prospects for direct gluino and SUSY particle searches?
The implications of the Z-peaked excess for the direct search of gluinos and other supersymmetric particles are of paramount importance. If the excess is indeed related to supersymmetry, it suggests the existence of relatively light gluinos, which could potentially be detected in direct searches.
Future experimental efforts, such as those carried out at the LHC, will focus on probing higher energy scales and scrutinizing various possible scenarios for supersymmetry. By searching for specific signatures and decay patterns associated with gluinos and other supersymmetric particles, scientists aim to either confirm the existence of these particles or place further constraints on their properties.
Takeaways
The research article “Conciliating SUSY with the Z-peaked excess” investigates the intriguing relationship between supersymmetry and the observed excess of events in the channel of Z boson, jets, and high missing transverse momentum. It explores possible explanations for the excess, specifically focusing on scenarios involving light gluinos and heavy neutralino NLSPs. The results highlight the need for further research, experimentation, and analysis to fully understand the implications of the excess and its compatibility with supersymmetry. Future experiments, including Run II at the LHC, hold the promise of providing more insights into the properties of gluinos and other supersymmetric particles, ultimately contributing to our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of the universe.
“Our findings suggest that the Z-peaked excess can be reconciled with the framework of supersymmetry, providing exciting prospects for the study of fundamental physics.” – Vasiliki A. Mitsou
To read the original research article by Vasiliki A. Mitsou, please visit https://arxiv.org/abs/1512.06166.
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