Supersymmetry (SUSY) has been a subject of great interest in the realm of particle physics. It proposes the existence of superpartners for known particles, offering solutions to some of the mysteries that have eluded scientists for years. One particular superpartner, the top squawk or “stop,” has been a focus of research within the CMS collaboration. In 2021, an analysis of collision data hinted at the possible presence of stop particles, sparking excitement within the scientific community.
The initial analysis in 2021 indicated a potential signal of stop particles in the collision data collected from 2016 to 2018. However, the uncertainty associated with this observation prompted the CMS collaboration to reanalyze the data using enhanced techniques. The new analysis aimed to identify pairs of stop particles decaying into top quarks and jets, a process that mirrors the production of top quarks in the Standard Model.
To estimate the background in the signal-dominated region, the CMS physicists employed the ABCD method, a common approach used for data analysis. However, the correlation between variables in the stop search made this method unreliable. To address this challenge, advanced machine-learning techniques were utilized to identify two variables with minimal correlation, enabling the accurate prediction of background from observed data.
The implementation of this innovative approach led to a significant improvement in analysis sensitivity, allowing for a more precise determination of the background without the need for simulations with uncertain modeling. Despite the absence of a clear signal in the reanalysis, the refined method provided valuable insights into the mass threshold of stop particles decaying into top quarks and jets.
With a more sensitive analysis method now in place, the physicists in the CMS collaboration are optimistic about exploring further data from the ongoing LHC Run 3. The quest for supersymmetry continues, as researchers strive to uncover the hidden truths of Nature through intricate data analysis techniques.
The pursuit of supersymmetry represents a compelling journey in particle physics, where cutting-edge technologies and methodologies are employed to unravel the mysteries of the universe. The critical analysis of data and the refinement of analysis techniques are imperative in advancing our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of the cosmos. As the scientific community delves deeper into the realm of particle physics, the quest for supersymmetry remains a beacon of hope in deciphering the enigmas of the universe.
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