The impact of top-quark modelling on the exclusion limits in $\boldsymbol{t\bar{t}}+\text{DM}$ searches at the LHC

TL;DR

This paper evaluates how precise modeling of top-quark backgrounds, including higher-order corrections and off-shell effects, influences the exclusion limits in dark matter searches involving top-quark pair production at the LHC.

Contribution

It provides a detailed comparison of NLO off-shell predictions with simpler models, highlighting the impact on exclusion limits and suggesting optimal observables for future searches.

Findings

Off-shell and NLO corrections significantly affect background estimates.

Proper modeling can alter exclusion limits in dark matter searches.

Certain observables are more sensitive to top-quark modeling effects.

Abstract

New Physics searches at the LHC rely very heavily on the precision and accuracy of Standard Model background predictions. Applying the spin-0 $s$-channel mediator model, we assess the importance of properly modelling such backgrounds in $t\bar{t}$ associated Dark Matter production. Specifically, we discuss higher-order corrections and off-shell effects for the two dominant background processes $t\bar{t}$ and $t\bar{t}Z$ in the presence of extremely exclusive cuts. Exclusion limits are calculated for state-of-the-art NLO full off-shell $t\bar{t}$ and $t\bar{t}Z$ predictions and compared to those computed with backgrounds in the NWA and / or at LO. We perform the same comparison for several new-physics sensitive observables and evaluate which of them are affected by the top-quark modelling. Additionally, we make suggestions as to which observables should be used to obtain the most stringent limits assuming integrated luminosities of $300$ fb$^{-1}$ and $3000$ fb$^{-1}$.