Constraints on neutrino non-standard interactions from LHC data with large missing transverse momentum

TL;DR

This paper uses LHC data with large missing transverse momentum to set new constraints on neutrino non-standard interactions, employing effective operators and simplified $Z'$ models, with improved theoretical predictions for robustness.

Contribution

It provides the first comprehensive constraints on neutrino NSIs from LHC data at 13 TeV using next-to-leading order QCD predictions and simplified $Z'$ models.

Findings

Upper limit on NSI strength $$ of 0.042 for 0.2 TeV $Z'$

Upper limit on NSI strength $$ of 0.0028 for 2 TeV $Z'$

Constraints can be improved with future higher luminosity LHC runs

Abstract

The possible non-standard interactions (NSIs) of neutrinos with matter plays important role in the global determination of neutrino properties. In our study we select various data sets from LHC measurements at 13 TeV with integrated luminosities of $35 \sim 139$ fb$^{-1}$, including production of a single jet, photon, $W/Z$ boson, or charged lepton accompanied with large missing transverse momentum. We derive constraints on neutral-current NSIs with quarks imposed by different data sets in a framework of either effective operators or simplified $Z'$ models. We use theoretical predictions of productions induced by NSIs at next-to-leading order in QCD matched with parton showering which stabilize the theory predictions and result in more robust constraints. In a simplified $Z'$ model we obtain a 95% CLs upper limit on the conventional NSI strength $\epsilon$ of 0.042 and 0.0028 for a $Z'$ mass of 0.2 and 2 TeV respectively. We also discuss possible improvements from future runs of LHC with higher luminosities.