Search for supersymmetry in the vector-boson fusion topology in proton-proton collisions at sqrt(s) = 8 TeV

TL;DR

This paper reports the first search for supersymmetry via vector-boson fusion at 8 TeV, setting new limits on chargino and neutralino masses based on CMS data, with results consistent with the standard model.

Contribution

It introduces a novel search strategy for supersymmetry in the vector-boson fusion topology using CMS data at 8 TeV, providing new mass limits for supersymmetric particles.

Findings

No excess observed over the standard model prediction.

Set a lower mass limit of 170 GeV for certain supersymmetric particles.

Established constraints on supersymmetry in the vector-boson fusion channel.

Abstract

The first search for supersymmetry in the vector-boson fusion topology is presented. The search targets final states with at least two leptons, large missing transverse momentum, and two jets with a large separation in rapidity. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 inverse femtobarns of proton-proton collisions at sqrt(s) = 8 TeV collected with the CMS detector at the CERN LHC. The observed dijet invariant mass spectrum is found to be consistent with the expected standard model prediction. Upper limits are set on the cross sections for chargino and neutralino production with two associated jets, assuming the supersymmetric partner of the tau lepton to be the lightest slepton and the lightest slepton to be lighter than the charginos. For a so-called compressed-mass-spectrum scenario in which the mass difference between the lightest supersymmetric particle and the next lightest, mass-degenerate, gaugino particles is 50 GeV, a mass lower limit of 170 GeV is set for these latter two particles.