Exploring QCD uncertainties when setting limits on compressed SUSY spectra

TL;DR

This paper investigates how Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) uncertainties impact the limits set on compressed Supersymmetry (SUSY) spectra at the LHC, emphasizing the importance of accurate QCD radiation modeling.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of QCD uncertainties in setting limits on compressed SUSY spectra, especially in worst-case degenerate mass scenarios, and evaluates the evolution of these limits with varying mass splittings.

Findings

QCD uncertainties significantly affect SUSY limit setting.

Limits are derived from 7 TeV hadronic SUSY and monojet searches.

Limit evolution with mass splitting is characterized.

Abstract

If Supersymmetry (SUSY) has a compressed spectrum the current limits from the LHC can be drastically reduced. We take possible `worst case' scenarios where combinations of the stop, squark and gluino masses are degenerate with the mass of the lightest SUSY particle. To accurately derive limits in the model, care must be taken when describing QCD radiation and we examine this in detail. Lower mass bounds are then produced by considering all the 7 TeV hadronic SUSY and monojet searches. The evolution of the limits as the mass splitting is varied is also presented.