Searching for axion-like particles with data scouting at ATLAS and CMS

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new trigger-level analysis at ATLAS and CMS to search for low-mass axion-like particles via diphoton resonances, enhancing detection prospects in a previously unexplored mass range.

Contribution

It introduces a novel photon isolation criterion and demonstrates how this approach can extend experimental sensitivity to axion-like particles below 15 GeV.

Findings

Increased acceptance for light particles at the cost of higher background.

Potential to discover axion-like particles below 15 GeV.

Bridges the gap between collider and flavor factory searches.

Abstract

We investigate the physics case for a dedicated trigger-level analysis for very low mass diphoton resonances at ATLAS and CMS and introduce a new photon isolation criterion. This greatly increases the acceptance for light particles at the expense of a somewhat larger Standard Model background. We show how such an analysis would likely yield new experimental coverage for axion-like particles for masses below 15 GeV, bridging the gap with the region covered by flavor factories.