Khosa, C. K., Sanz, V., & Soughton, M. (2022). A simple guide from machine learning outputs to statistical criteria in particle physics. SciPost Phys. Core, 5(4), 050–31pp.
Abstract: In this paper we propose ways to incorporate Machine Learning training outputs into a study of statistical significance. We describe these methods in supervised classification tasks using a CNN and a DNN output, and unsupervised learning based on a VAE. As use cases, we consider two physical situations where Machine Learning are often used: high-pT hadronic activity, and boosted Higgs in association with a massive vector boson.
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Khosa, C. K., & Sanz, V. (2023). Anomaly Awareness. SciPost Phys., 15(2), 053–24pp.
Abstract: We present a new algorithm for anomaly detection called Anomaly Awareness. The algorithm learns about normal events while being made aware of the anomalies through a modification of the cost function. We show how this method works in different Particle Physics situations and in standard Computer Vision tasks. For example, we apply the method to images from a Fat Jet topology generated by Standard Model Top and QCD events, and test it against an array of new physics scenarios, including Higgs production with EFT effects and resonances decaying into two, three or four subjets. We find that the algorithm is effective identifying anomalies not seen before, and becomes robust as we make it aware of a varied-enough set of anomalies.
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Khosa, C. K., Mars, L., Richards, J., & Sanz, V. (2020). Convolutional neural networks for direct detection of dark matter. J. Phys. G, 47(9), 095201–20pp.
Abstract: The XENON1T experiment uses a time projection chamber (TPC) with liquid xenon to search for weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), a proposed dark matter particle, via direct detection. As this experiment relies on capturing rare events, the focus is on achieving a high recall of WIMP events. Hence the ability to distinguish between WIMP and the background is extremely important. To accomplish this, we suggest using convolutional neural networks (CNNs); a machine learning procedure mainly used in image recognition tasks. To explore this technique we use XENON collaboration open-source software to simulate the TPC graphical output of dark matter signals and main backgrounds. A CNN turns out to be a suitable tool for this purpose, as it can identify features in the images that differentiate the two types of events without the need to manipulate or remove data in order to focus on a particular region of the detector. We find that the CNN can distinguish between the dominant background events (ER) and 500 GeV WIMP events with a recall of 93.4%, precision of 81.2% and an accuracy of 87.2%.
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Kasieczka, G. et al, & Sanz, V. (2021). The LHC Olympics 2020: a community challenge for anomaly detection in high energy physics. Rep. Prog. Phys., 84(12), 124201–64pp.
Abstract: A new paradigm for data-driven, model-agnostic new physics searches at colliders is emerging, and aims to leverage recent breakthroughs in anomaly detection and machine learning. In order to develop and benchmark new anomaly detection methods within this framework, it is essential to have standard datasets. To this end, we have created the LHC Olympics 2020, a community challenge accompanied by a set of simulated collider events. Participants in these Olympics have developed their methods using an R&D dataset and then tested them on black boxes: datasets with an unknown anomaly (or not). Methods made use of modern machine learning tools and were based on unsupervised learning (autoencoders, generative adversarial networks, normalizing flows), weakly supervised learning, and semi-supervised learning. This paper will review the LHC Olympics 2020 challenge, including an overview of the competition, a description of methods deployed in the competition, lessons learned from the experience, and implications for data analyses with future datasets as well as future colliders.
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Folgado, M. G., & Sanz, V. (2021). On the Interpretation of Nonresonant Phenomena at Colliders. Adv. High. Energy Phys., 2021, 2573471–12pp.
Abstract: With null results in resonance searches at the LHC, the physics potential focus is now shifting towards the interpretation of nonresonant phenomena. An example of such shift is the increased popularity of the EFT programme. We can embark on such programme owing to the good integrated luminosity and an excellent understanding of the detectors, which will allow these searches to become more intense as the LHC continues. In this paper, we provide a framework to perform this interpretation in terms of a diverse set of scenarios, including (1) generic heavy new physics described at low energies in terms of a derivative expansion, such as in the EFT approach; (2) very light particles with derivative couplings, such as axions or other light pseudo-Goldstone bosons; and (3) the effect of a quasicontinuum of resonances, which can come from a number of strongly coupled theories, extradimensional models, clockwork set-ups, and their deconstructed cousins. These scenarios are not equivalent despite all nonresonance, although the matching among some of them is possible, and we provide it in this paper.
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