The light stop window

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new search strategy for light right-handed stops in the 200-400 GeV range at the LHC, using razor analysis to improve detection prospects even with small mass differences.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach employing razor analysis for stop searches, setting stronger bounds than existing ATLAS and CMS results.

Findings

Stops in the 200-400 GeV range are consistent with current data.

Razor analysis enhances detection sensitivity for small mass differences.

Stronger bounds on stop masses than previous experimental results.

Abstract

We show that a right-handed stop in the 200-400 GeV mass range, together with a nearly degenerate neutralino and, possibly, a gluino below 1.5 TeV, follows from reasonable assumptions, is consistent with present data, and offers interesting discovery prospects at the LHC. Triggering on an extra jet produced in association with stops allows the experimental search for stops even when their mass difference with neutralinos is very small and the decay products are too soft for direct observation. Using a razor analysis, we are able to set stop bounds that are stronger than those published by ATLAS and CMS.