Search for new physics with the SHiP experiment at CERN

TL;DR

The SHiP experiment at CERN aims to discover new light long-lived particles, including dark matter candidates and hidden sector particles, by utilizing a high-intensity proton beam and specialized detectors to explore unexplored parameter spaces.

Contribution

This paper introduces the SHiP experiment's design and its potential to probe new physics beyond the Standard Model, focusing on hidden portals and long-lived particles.

Findings

Projected sensitivity to Heavy Neutral Leptons above the kaon mass

Capability to explore parameter space relevant for Baryogenesis

Potential to detect light dark matter in new regions

Abstract

SHiP is a new general purpose fixed target experiment at the CERN SPS designed to complement LHC experiments in the search for new physics. In its initial phase, the $400$ GeV proton beam extracted from the SPS will be dumped on a heavy target with the aim of integrating $2\times10^{20}$ pot in 5 years. Shielded by an active muon shield, a dedicated detector, based on a long decay volume followed by a spectrometer and particle identification detectors, will allow probing a variety of models with light long-lived exotic particles with masses below $\mathcal{O}(10)\; \mathrm{GeV}/{c^2}$. The main focus will be the physics of the so-called Hidden Portals, i.e. search for Dark Photons, Light scalars and pseudo-scalars, and Heavy Neutral Leptons. The sensitivity to Heavy Neutral Leptons will allow for the first time to probe, in the mass range above the kaon mass, a coupling range for which Baryogenesis and active neutrino masses could also be explained. A dedicated emulsion-based detector will allow detection of light dark matter in an unexplored parameter range.