On the Validity of the EFT for Dark Matter Searches at the LHC

TL;DR

This paper critically examines the limitations of the effective field theory approach in dark matter searches at the LHC, highlighting its breakdown at high energies and proposing simplified models as a more reliable alternative.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of EFT limitations at the LHC and advocates for the adoption of simplified models for accurate dark matter studies.

Findings

EFT approach breaks down at high energies relevant to the LHC.

Simplified models offer a more valid framework for dark matter searches.

Using EFT can lead to incorrect conclusions in collider dark matter analyses.

Abstract

We review the limitations to the use of the effective field theory approach to study dark matter at the LHC. Due to the high energy reach, the low energy description breaks down, and may lead to incorrect results. The use of simplified models is suggested.