Mapping monojet constraints onto Simplified Dark Matter Models

TL;DR

This paper reinterprets existing LHC Run I monojet data to set new constraints on simplified dark matter models, providing a benchmark for future collider searches and constraints.

Contribution

It introduces a method to reinterpret public constraints on cross sections to derive bounds on simplified dark matter models using existing data.

Findings

Strongest current collider constraints on the axial-vector Z' model

Predictions for constraints with future 14 TeV data

A broad benchmark for interpreting future simplified model constraints

Abstract

The move towards simplified models for Run II of the LHC will allow for stronger and more robust constraints on the dark sector. However there already exists a wealth of Run I data which should not be ignored in the run-up to Run II. Here we reinterpret public constraints on generic beyond-standard-model cross sections to place new constraints on a simplified model. We make use of an ATLAS search in the monojet $+$ missing energy channel to constrain a representative simplified model with the dark matter coupling to an axial-vector $Z'$. We scan the entire parameter space of our chosen model to set the strongest current collider constraints on our model using the full 20.3 fb$^{-1}$ ATLAS 8 TeV dataset and provide predictions for constraints that can be set with 20 fb$^{-1}$ of 14 TeV data. Our technique can also be used for the interpretation of Run II data and provides a broad benchmark for comparing future constraints on simplified models.