Global Search for New Physics with 2.0/fb at CDF

TL;DR

This study conducts a comprehensive, model-independent search for new physics phenomena in Fermilab Tevatron data, using multiple algorithms to detect deviations from the standard model, but finds no evidence of new physics.

Contribution

Introduces a global, model-independent search method combining Vista, Bump Hunter, and Sleuth algorithms to detect new physics in collider data.

Findings

No significant deviations from the standard model were observed.

The combined algorithms effectively scanned for various new physics signatures.

Results set constraints on possible new physics scenarios at Tevatron energies.

Abstract

Data collected in Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron are searched for indications of new electroweak-scale physics. Rather than focusing on particular new physics scenarios, CDF data are analyzed for discrepancies with the standard model prediction. A model-independent approach (Vista) considers gross features of the data, and is sensitive to new large cross-section physics. Further sensitivity to new physics is provided by two additional algorithms: a Bump Hunter searches invariant mass distributions for "bumps" that could indicate resonant production of new particles; and the Sleuth procedure scans for data excesses at large summed transverse momentum. This combined global search for new physics in 2.0/fb of ppbar collisions at sqrt(s)=1.96 TeV reveals no indication of physics beyond the standard model.