MUSiC: a model-unspecific search for new physics in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = $ 13 TeV

TL;DR

The MUSiC analysis uses a model-unspecific approach to search for new physics signatures in proton-proton collision data at 13 TeV, comparing observed events with standard model predictions across many final states.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive, model-independent search method that covers a wide range of final states using the largest dataset to date, expanding the scope of previous general searches.

Findings

No significant deviations from the standard model were observed.

The analysis validated its sensitivity through multiple methods.

It significantly broadens the search for new physics beyond previous dedicated analyses.

Abstract

Results of the Model Unspecific Search in CMS (MUSiC), using proton-proton collision data recorded at the LHC at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb$^{-1}$, are presented. The MUSiC analysis searches for anomalies that could be signatures of physics beyond the standard model. The analysis is based on the comparison of observed data with the standard model prediction, as determined from simulation, in several hundred final states and multiple kinematic distributions. Events containing at least one electron or muon are classified based on their final state topology, and an automated search algorithm surveys the observed data for deviations from the prediction. The sensitivity of the search is validated using multiple methods. No significant deviations from the predictions have been observed. For a wide range of final state topologies, agreement is found between the data and the standard model simulation. This analysis complements dedicated search analyses by significantly expanding the range of final states covered using a model independent approach with the largest data set to date to probe phase space regions beyond the reach of previous general searches.