Unravelling Strings at the LHC

TL;DR

This paper develops a method to distinguish different string/$M$ theory vacua using LHC signature correlations, aiding in narrowing down viable theories based on experimental data.

Contribution

It introduces a technique leveraging LHC signature correlations to differentiate among string theory vacua, applicable to various models with limited data.

Findings

Limited LHC signature regions for studied vacua

Qualitative differences in signatures among vacua

Technique can exclude or favor certain string models

Abstract

We construct LHC signature footprints for four semi-realistic string/$M$ theory vacua with an MSSM visible sector. We find that they all give rise to limited regions in LHC signature space, and are qualitatively different from each other for understandable reasons. We also propose a technique in which correlations of LHC signatures can be effectively used to distinguish among these string theory vacua. We expect the technique to be useful for more general string vacua. We argue that further systematic analysis with this approach will allow LHC data to disfavor or exclude major ``corners'' of string/$M$ theory and favor others. The technique can be used with limited integrated luminosity and improved.