Same-sign WW scattering at the LHC: can we discover BSM effects before discovering new states?

TL;DR

This paper explores how vector boson scattering measurements at the LHC could indicate new physics beyond the Standard Model through EFT analysis, even if no new particles are directly observed.

Contribution

It discusses the correct application of EFT in WW scattering analyses when the WW invariant mass cannot be directly measured and proposes strategies for future data analysis.

Findings

EFT can be effectively used to interpret VBS deviations without direct new particle observation

Strategies are proposed for analyzing leptonic W decay channels where invariant mass is inaccessible

Guidelines for future LHC data analysis in BSM discovery scenarios

Abstract

It is possible that measurements of vector boson scattering (VBS) at the LHC will reveal disagreement with Standard Model predictions, but no new particles will be observed directly. The task is then to learn as much as possible about the new physics from a VBS analysis carried within the framework of the Effective Field Theory (EFT). In this paper we discuss issues related to the correct usage of the EFT when the WW invariant mass is not directly accessible experimentally, as in purely leptonic W decay channels. The strategies for future data analyses in case such scenario indeed occurs are proposed.