Constraints on Effective Field Theory Couplings Using 311.2 days of LUX Data

TL;DR

This paper presents new constraints on Effective Field Theory WIMP interactions using extensive LUX data, extending energy ranges and employing advanced analysis techniques to set the most stringent limits to date.

Contribution

It introduces novel analysis methods for higher-energy backgrounds and extends the search window, resulting in the most stringent EFT WIMP coupling limits from LUX data.

Findings

Set 90% C.L. exclusion limits on EFT WIMP couplings to neutrons and protons.

Achieved world-leading exclusion limits on inelastic EFT WIMP-nucleon recoils.

Extended the nuclear recoil energy range up to ~180 keV for the analysis.

Abstract

We report here the results of an Effective Field Theory (EFT) WIMP search analysis using LUX data. We build upon previous LUX analyses by extending the search window to include nuclear recoil energies up to $\sim$180 keV$_{nr}$, requiring a reassessment of data quality cuts and background models. In order to use a binned Profile Likelihood statistical framework, the development of new analysis techniques to account for higher-energy backgrounds was required. With a 3.14$\times10^4$ kg$\cdot$day exposure using data collected between 2014 and 2016, we set 90\% C.L. exclusion limits on non-relativistic EFT WIMP couplings to neutrons and protons, providing the most stringent constraints on a significant fraction of the possible EFT WIMP interactions. Additionally, we report world-leading exclusion limits on inelastic EFT WIMP-nucleon recoils.