Beyond the SM and Supersymmetry

There must be new physics beyond the Standard Model - and the LHC is the perfect place to look for it

Models with weakly interacting particles can explain 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 one example of a 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. Other models of new physics, such as those with extra dimensions of space, also predict new particles at the TeV scale. But where might the extra particles be hiding?

Simulated supersymmetry event

Our group is investigating how we can discover new physics in various different channels. We have also been studying, in collaboration with the Oxford Theory group, methods for understanding the theory of new physics using the LHC data. If the LHC discovers new invisible particles it could be the world's first dark matter factory. We are developing methods for e.g. measuring masses, distinguishing between supersymmetric and extra-dimensional models, and understanding the astrophysical and cosmological implications of our findings.


Previous and current projects
Search for new particles using large jet multiplicities and missing transverse momentum
Search for gaugino production and decay to Higgs boson(s)
Search for Higgsino and Slepton production
Sensitivity of LHC luminosity and energy upgrades to new Dark Matter particles
Constraints on SUSY theory from LHC measurements
Investigating dark photons and other long-lived particles
Improving searches using Machine Learning techniques
Other project(s) of your choice