# Searching for production of dark matter in association with top quarks at the LHC

## TL;DR

This paper evaluates the LHC's potential to detect dark matter produced alongside top quarks within spin-0 s-channel models, introducing a combined analysis of two missing energy signatures that enhances search sensitivity.

## Contribution

It introduces a novel combined analysis strategy for dark matter searches involving top quarks at the LHC, considering both $t\bar{t}$ and $tW$ channels, including a previously less-studied $tW$ channel.

## Key findings

- Combined $t\bar{t}+E_T^{\mathrm{miss}}$ and $tW+E_T^{\mathrm{miss}}$ searches improve parameter space coverage.
- The $tW$ channel analysis extends the sensitivity beyond previous strategies.
- The approach offers a more comprehensive search for spin-0 s-channel dark matter models.

## Abstract

In the framework of spin-0 $s$-channel dark matter (DM) simplified models, we reassess the sensitivity of future LHC runs to the production of DM in association with top quarks. We consider two different missing transverse energy ($E_T^{\mathrm{miss}}$) signatures, namely production of DM in association with either a $t \bar t$ pair or a top quark and a $W$ boson, where the latter channel has not been the focus of a dedicated analysis prior to this work. Final states with two leptons are studied and a realistic analysis strategy is developed that simultaneously takes into account both channels. Compared to other existing search strategies the proposed combination of $t \bar t + E_T^{\mathrm{miss}}$ and $t W + E_T^{\mathrm{miss}}$ production provides a significantly improved coverage of the parameter space of spin-0 $s$-channel DM simplified models.