Search for New Physics in e mu X Data at D0 Using Sleuth: A Quasi-Model-Independent Search Strategy for New Physics

TL;DR

This paper introduces 'Sleuth', a quasi-model-independent algorithm designed to detect potential new physics signals in collider data by identifying regions of excess in relevant variables, applied here to D0 experiment data.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel, general search strategy and algorithm for detecting new physics signals without relying on specific models, demonstrated on D0 collider data.

Findings

No evidence of new high p_T physics was found in the analyzed data.

The 'Sleuth' algorithm effectively identifies regions of excess in collider data.

The method is sensitive and adaptable for various final states.

Abstract

We present a quasi-model-independent search for the physics responsible for electroweak symmetry breaking. We define final states to be studied, and construct a rule that identifies a set of relevant variables for any particular final state. A new algorithm ("Sleuth") searches for regions of excess in those variables and quantifies the significance of any detected excess. After demonstrating the sensitivity of the method, we apply it to the semi-inclusive channel e mu X collected in 108 pb^-1 of ppbar collisions at sqrt(s) = 1.8 TeV at the D0 experiment during 1992-1996 at the Fermilab Tevatron. We find no evidence of new high p_T physics in this sample.