Supersymmetry

Supersymmetry is probably the best-motivated of all extensions to the Standard Model of particle physics

Supersymmetry offers an explanation for the invisible Dark Matter

A range of unresolved experimental and theoretical issues suggest that the Standard Model is not the final theory of matter and forces. Supersymmetry (SUSY) is the most favoured extension of the Standard Model, and one which solves many of its current problems. The theory predicts that every fermion has a bosonic partner and vice-versa. If such supersymmetric partner particles exist, they ought to have masses at the TeV scale, and should be produced in the LHC and can be found by ATLAS. The recent discovery by ATLAS of a Higgs boson further increases the motivation for TeV-scale supersymmetry. But where are the extra particles hiding?

Simulated supersymmetry event

Our group is investigating how we can discover supersymmetry in various different channels. We have also been studying, in collaboration with the Oxford Theory group, methods for understanding supersymmetric phenomenology using the LHC data. If the LHC discovers supersymmetric particles it will be the world's first dark matter factory. We are developing methods for e.g. measuring WIMP masses, distinguishing between supersymmetric and extra-dimensional models, and determining the mechanism of supersymmetry-breaking.


Available projects
Search for squarks and gluinos using large jet multiplicities and missing transverse momentum
Search for direct production of bottom squarks
Search for gaugino production and decay to Higgs boson(s)
Measurement of supersymmetric particles' masses
Measurement of supersymmetric particles' spins
Sensitivity of LHC luminosity and energy upgrades to supersymmetric particles
Constraints on SUSY theory from LHC measurements
Other project(s) of your choice