Abstract: The first observation of the decay eta(c)(2S) -> p (p) over bar is reported using proton -proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb(-1) recorded by the LHCb experiment at centre -of -mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The eta c(2S) resonance is produced in the decay B+ [c (c) over bar ]K+. The product of branching fractions normalised to that for the intermediate state, R-eta c,(2s), is measured to be R-eta c,(2s) equivalent to B(B+-> eta c (2S)K+) x B(eta c(2s)(2S) -> p<<(p)over bar> )/B(B+ -> J/psi k(+)) x B(J/psi -> p<<(p)over bar> ) = (1.58 +/- 0.33 +/- 0.09) x 10(-2), where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. No signals for the decays B+ -> X(3872)(-> p (p) over bar )K+ and B+ psi(3770)(-> p (p) over bar )K+ are seen, and the 95% confidence level upper limits on their relative branching ratios are found to be R-x(3872) < 0.25 x 10(-2) and R-psi(3770) < 0.10. In addition, the mass differences between the nc(1S) and the J/psi states, between the eta(c)(2S) and the eta(c)(2S) states, and the natural width of the psi(1S) are measured as M-J/psi – M-eta c(7s)= 110.2 +/- 0.5 +/- 0.9 MeV, M psi(2S) – M-eta c (2S) = 52.5 +/- 1.7 +/- 0.6 MeV, Gamma(eta c) (1s) = 34.0 +/- 1.9 +/- 1.3 MeV.

Abstract: Machine-learning techniques have become fundamental in high-energy physics and, for new physics searches, it is crucial to know their performance in terms of experimental sensitivity, understood as the statistical significance of the signal-plus-background hypothesis over the background-only one. We present here a simple method that combines the power of current machine-learning techniques to face high-dimensional data with the likelihood-based inference tests used in traditional analyses, which allows us to estimate the sensitivity for both discovery and exclusion limits through a single parameter of interest, the signal strength. Based on supervised learning techniques, it can perform well also with high-dimensional data, when traditional techniques cannot. We apply the method to a toy model first, so we can explore its potential, and then to a LHC study of new physics particles in dijet final states. Considering as the optimal statistical significance the one we would obtain if the true generative functions were known, we show that our method provides a better approximation than the usual naive counting experimental results.

Abstract: Neutrinos are one of the most promising messengers for signals of new physics Beyond the Standard Model (BSM). On the theoretical side, their elusive nature, combined with their unknown mass mechanism, seems to indicate that the neutrino sector is indeed opening a window to new physics. On the experimental side, several long-standing anomalies have been reported in the past decades, providing a strong motivation to thoroughly test the standard three-neutrino oscillation paradigm. In this Snowmass21 white paper, we explore the potential of current and future neutrino experiments to explore BSM effects on neutrino flavor during the next decade.

Abstract: For nearly a century, studying cosmic-ray air showers has driven progress in our understanding of elementary particle physics. In this work, we revisit the production of millicharged particles in these atmospheric showers and provide new constraints for XENON1T and Super-Kamiokande and new sensitivity estimates of current and future detectors, such as JUNO. We discuss distinct search strategies, specifically studies of single-energy-deposition events, where one electron in the detector receives a relatively large energy transfer, as well as multiple-scattering events consisting of (at least) two relatively small energy depositions. We demonstrate that these atmospheric search strategies especially the multiple-scattering signature – provide significant room for improvement beyond existing searches, in a way that is complementary to anthropogenic, beam-based searches for MeV-GeV millicharged particles. Finally, we also discuss the implementation of a Monte Carlo simulation for millicharged particle detection in large-volume neutrino detectors, such as IceCube.

Abstract: A prototype 11.994 GHz, traveling-wave accelerating structure for the Compact Linear Collider has been built, using the novel technique of assembling the structure from milled halves. The use of milled halves has many advantages when compared to a structure made from individual disks. These include the potential for a reduction in cost, because there are fewer parts, as well as a greater freedom in choice of joining technology because there are no rf currents across the halves' joint. Here we present the rf design and fabrication of the prototype structure, followed by the results of the high-power test and post-test surface analysis. During high-power testing the structure reached an unloaded gradient of 100 MV/m at a rf breakdown rate of less than 1.5 x 10(-5) breakdowns/pulse/m with a 200 ns pulse. This structure has been designed for the CLIC testing program but construction from halves can be advantageous in a wide variety of applications.