A search for new physics in central exclusive production using the missing mass technique with the CMS detector and the CMS-TOTEM precision proton spectrometer

Abstract

Data availability statement: This manuscript has no associated data or the data will not be deposited. [Authors’ comment: Release and preservation of data used by the CMS Collaboration as the basis for publications is guided by theCMSpolicy as stated in https://cms-docdb.cern.ch/cgi-bin/PublicDocDB/RetrieveFile?docid=6032filename=CMSDataPolicyV1.2.pdfversion=2 CMS data preservation, re-use and open access policy.]Copyright © CERN for the benefit of the CMS and TOTEM collaborations 2023. A generic search is presented for the associated production of a Z boson or a photon with an additional unspecified massive particle X, pp→pp+Z/γ+X, in proton-tagged events from proton–proton collisions at s√=13TeV, recorded in 2017 with the CMS detector and the CMS-TOTEM precision proton spectrometer. The missing mass spectrum is analysed in the 600–1600 GeV range and a fit is performed to search for possible deviations from the background expectation. No significant excess in data with respect to the background predictions has been observed. Model-independent upper limits on the visible production cross section of pp→pp+Z/γ+X are set.Funded by SCOAP3. SCOAP3 supports the goals of the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development