Bottom quark contribution to spin-dependent dark matter detection

We investigate a previously overlooked bottom quark contribution to the spin-dependent cross section for Dark Matter(DM) scattering from the nucleon. While the mechanism is relevant to any supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model, for illustrative purposes we explore the consequences within the framework of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model(MSSM). We study two cases, namely those where the DM is predominantly Gaugino or Higgsino. In both cases, there is a substantial, viable region in parameter space ($m_{\tilde{b}} - m_\chi \lesssim \mathcal{O}(100)$ GeV) in which the bottom contribution becomes important. We show that a relatively large contribution from the bottom quark is consistent with constraints from spin-independent DM searches, as well as some incidental model dependent constraints.Comment: 11 pages, 10 figures, version published in NP

Characterizing Higgs portal dark matter models at the ILC

We study the Dark Matter (DM) discovery prospect and its spin discrimination in the theoretical framework of gauge invariant and renormalizable Higgs portal DM models at the ILC with $\sqrt{s} = 500$ GeV. In such models, the DM pair is produced in association with a $Z$ boson. In case the singlet scalar DM, the mediator is just the SM Higgs boson, whereas for the fermion or vector DM there is an additional singlet scalar mediator that mixes with the SM Higgs boson, which produces significant observable differences. After careful investigation of the signal and backgrounds both at parton level and at detector level, we find the signal with hadronically decaying $Z$ boson provides a better search sensitivity than the signal with leptonically decaying $Z$ boson. Taking the fermion DM model as a benchmark scenario, when the DM-mediator coupling $g_\chi$ is relatively small, the DM signals are discoverable only for benchmark points with relatively light scalar mediator $H_2$. And the spin discriminating from scalar DM is always promising while it is difficult to discriminate from vector DM. As for $g_\chi$ approaching the perturbative limit, benchmark points with the mediator $H_2$ in the full mass region of interest are discoverable. And the spin discriminating from both the scalar and fermion DM are quite promising.Comment: 26 pages, 9 figures, version accepted for publication in EPJ

LHC searches for heavy neutral Higgs bosons with a top jet substructure analysis

We study the LHC searches for the heavy $CP$-odd Higgs boson $A$ and $CP$-even Higgs boson $H$ in the context of general two-Higgs-doublet model. Specifically, we consider the decay mode of $A/H\to t \bar t$ through the $b \bar b$ or $t \bar t$ associated production channels. In the so-called "alignment limit" of the two-Higgs-doublet model, this decay mode can be the most dominant one. By employing the HEPTopTagger and the multi-variable-analysis method, we present the search sensitivities for both $CP$-odd Higgs boson $A$ and $CP$-even Higgs boson $H$ via these channels at the high-luminosity LHC runs.Comment: 21 pages, 5 figures; v2: matches the published versio

Uncover Compressed Supersymmetry via Boosted Bosons from the Heavier Stop/Sbottom

A light stop around the weak scale is a hopeful messenger of natural supersymmetry (SUSY), but it has not shown up at the current stage of LHC. Such a situation raises the question of the fate of natural SUSY. Actually, a relatively light stop can easily be hidden in a compressed spectra such as mild mass degeneracy between stop and neutralino plus top quark. Searching for such a stop at the LHC is a challenge. On the other hand, in terms of the argument of natural SUSY, other members in the stop sector, including a heavier stop $\tilde{t}_2$ and lighter sbottom $\tilde{b}_1$ (both assumed to be left-handed-like), are also supposed to be relatively light and therefore searching for them would provide an alternative method to probe natural SUSY with a compressed spectrum. In this paper we consider quasi-natural SUSY which tolerates relatively heavy colored partners near the TeV scale, with a moderately large mass gap between the heavier members and the lightest stop. Then $W/Z/h$ as companions of $\tilde{t}_2$ and $\tilde{b}_1$ decaying into $\tilde{t}_1$ generically are well boosted, and they, along with other visible particles from $\tilde{t}_1$ decay, are a good probe to study compressed SUSY. We find that the resulting search strategy with boosted bosons can have better sensitivity than those utilizing multi-leptons.Comment: 19 pages, 6 figures, to appear in EPJ