Search for displaced decays of long-lived particles in events with missing transverse momentum in $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV $pp$ collisions with the ATLAS detector

TL;DR

This paper reports a search for long-lived particles with displaced decays and missing transverse momentum in proton-proton collisions at 13 TeV, using ATLAS data, setting limits on various beyond-the-Standard-Model scenarios.

Contribution

It introduces a novel fuzzy vertexing algorithm for identifying displaced decays and performs independent background estimations for each algorithm, enhancing search sensitivity.

Findings

No significant excess over background observed.

Set 95% CL limits on long-lived gluinos, neutralinos, Higgsinos, and pseudoscalars.

Demonstrated effectiveness of the fuzzy vertexing algorithm.

Abstract

A search for long-lived particles in events with significant missing transverse momentum and at least one displaced vertex is presented. This analysis is performed using 137 $\text{fb}^{-1}$ of $pp$ collision data collected between 2016--2018 during Run 2 of the Large Hadron Collider by the ATLAS detector. Displaced vertices are identified using two different secondary vertexing algorithms, including a novel ``fuzzy'' vertexing algorithm optimized for identifying displaced decays of heavy quarks. Separate searches are performed using each algorithm, and the expected Standard Model background is independently estimated for each search using a data-driven procedure. No significant excess is observed over the background in either case. The results are used to set 95% confidence-level limits on potential beyond-the-Standard Model physics that could produce this final state. Results are interpreted in the context of four models: long-lived gluinos that form $R$-hadrons before decaying, neutralinos decaying via Higgs-mediated channels in the Bino-Wino coannihilation model, long-lived Higgsinos decaying to axinos, and an exotic Higgs portal model predicting displaced decays of light pseudoscalars.