Dark matter search at LHC

• Grant number: 16/50013-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2016
• End date: July 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Elementary Particle Physics and Fields
• Agreement: Imperial College, UK
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Sergio Ferraz Novaes
• Grantee: Sergio Ferraz Novaes
• Principal researcher abroad: Oliver Buchmuleler
• Institution abroad: Imperial College London, England
• Host Institution: Núcleo de Computação Científica (NCC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/01907-0 - São Paulo Research and Analysis Center, AP.TEM

Abstract

The search for dark matter is one of the most relevant and challenging topics of the physics research. Up to now, there is only cosmological indirect evidence of the existence of dark matter in the Universe. Evidence from non-cosmological sources would strengthen the case for dark matter, providing independent confirmation of its existence. The Large Hadron Collider experiments are able to contribute to the search of this elusive particle. The CMS collaboration has a well-established program to investigate the production of mono-X events, where the single particle X is accompanied by a large amount of missing transverse energy. Evidence of an excess of mono-X events over those predicted by the standard model could indicate the production of dark matter; the interpretation of a positive result could shed light on the nature of the physics beyond the standard model. (AU)