Searching for long-lived particles with the ILD experiment

TL;DR

This study evaluates the potential of the ILD detector at future e+e- colliders to detect long-lived particles through displaced vertices and kinked tracks, considering various challenging final states and backgrounds.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive simulation analysis demonstrating ILD's capabilities for LLP searches, including model-independent and Higgs decay scenarios.

Findings

Expected exclusion limits for LLPs over a range of lifetimes.

Identification of displaced vertices and kinked tracks as key signatures.

Assessment of backgrounds from beam interactions and Standard Model processes.

Abstract

Future e$^+$e$^-$ colliders provide a unique opportunity for long-lived particle (LLP) searches. We present a full simulation study of LLP searches using the International Large Detector (ILD), where a gaseous time projection chamber as the main tracking device provides excellent prospects for LLP searches. Signatures of displaced vertices and kinked tracks are explored. We study challenging final states involving both very soft displaced tracks and boosted, nearly collinear tracks. Backgrounds from beam-induced interactions and other Standard Model processes are considered. We present expected exclusion limits for a model-independent analyses, as well as for Higgs boson decays to LLPs, for a range of LLP lifetimes.