Closing the stop gap

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel method to improve light stop searches in supersymmetry by comparing top cross section measurements with theoretical predictions, effectively closing gaps below 180 GeV.

Contribution

It introduces a fast-track approach using top cross section data to constrain light stop masses, addressing current search limitations.

Findings

Stops below ~180 GeV can be excluded for a light neutralino.

The method provides a new way to close existing gaps in stop searches.

Potential stop contamination in top mass measurements is discussed.

Abstract

Light stops are a hallmark of the most natural realizations of weak-scale supersymmetry. While stops have been extensively searched for, there remain open gaps around and below the top mass, due to similarities of stop and top signals with current statistics. We propose a new fast-track avenue to improve light stop searches for R-parity conserving supersymmetry, by comparing top cross section measurements to the theoretical prediction. Stop masses below ~ 180 GeV can now be ruled out for a light neutralino. The possibility of a stop signal contaminating the top mass measurement is also briefly addressed.