ATLAS Physics Studies at RHUL

Higgs Searches

We are working on the detection and measurement of the properties of light Higgs boson signals predicted in the context of various models. Past projects include the determination of the CP-parity of a Higgs particle using the ttH (H->γγ) channel, and the detection of an invisible Higgs produced in association with a pair of top quarks. Current projects have focused on the ttH (H->WW) signature. We are also involved in the ATLAS Statistics Committee which, among other things, provides guidance for the combination of various Higgs analyses, with the aim of maximizing an early Higgs discovery.

• Academic staff: Dr. Pedro Teixeira-Dias, Dr. Glen Cowan
• Research staff: Dr. Ricardo Goncalo, Dr. Rui Santos
• Ph.D students: Neil Cooper-Smith, Clive Edwards

SUSY searches

We are investigating the physics potential of inclusive and exclusive supersymmetric signatures, with particular regard to trilepton final states, and the effect of the inclusive selection on some of the Standard Model backgrounds, such as ttbar and diboson events.

• Academic staff: Dr Antonella De Santo
• Research staff: Dr Teresa Fonseca Martin, Dr Fabrizio Salvatore
• Trash.PhD students: Muhammad Aftab Alam, Tina Potter, Matthew Tamsett

Exotic searches

We are interested in looking for exotic phenomena like for example for signs of extra dimensions, which could provide an explanation for the weakness of gravity. Current projects involve looking for a graviton in the 4 lepton channel (G->ZZ->4l).

• Academic staff: Dr. Tracey Berry

We also have an interest in using exotics signatures as benchmarks for detector and trigger physics performance, with particular regard to high-pT electron/photon signatures.

• Academic staff: Dr Antonella De Santo
• Trash.PhD Student: Matthew Tamsett

Top quark physics

Top quark physics is crucial for establishing Standard Model physics in the commissioning phase of ATLAS. Also, due to its large mass, the top quark will be sensitive to new physics involved in the electroweak symmetry breaking mechanism. Current project involve measuring the top pair cross section using early data (~100pb-1).

• Academic staff: Dr. Veronique Boisvert

Statistics and QCD

A good understanding of parton densities is vital at a proton-proton collider like the LHC. We are developing alternative techniques for quantifying the effect of uncertainties in parton densities based on a Bayesian approach.

• Academic staff: Dr. Glen Cowan
• Ph.D students: Clare Quarman