Abstract: We perform a search for near-threshold I (b) (0) resonances decaying to I (b) (-) pi (+) in a sample of proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb(-1) collected by the LHCb experiment. We observe one resonant state, with the following properties: m(Xi b*0) – m (Xi b-) – m (pi+) = 15.727 +/- 0.068 (stat) +/- 0.023 (syst) MeV/c2, Gamma(Xi b*0) = 0.90 +/- 0.16 (stat) +/- 0.08 (syst) MeV. This confirms the previous observation by the CMS collaboration. The state is consistent with the J (P) = 3/2(+)aEuro integral I (b) (au 0) resonance expected in the quark model. This is the most precise determination of the mass and the first measurement of the natural width of this state. We have also measured the ratio sigma(pp -> Xi b*0 X)B(Xi b*0 -> Xi b-pi+)/sigma(pp -> Xi b- X) = 0.28 +/- 0.03 (stat.) +/- 0.01 (syst).

Abstract: A study is presented of central exclusive production of gamma(n S) states, where the gamma (n S) resonances decay to the mu(+) mu(-) final state, using p p collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment. The cross-section is measured in the rapidity range 2 < y (gamma) < 4.5 where the muons are reconstructed in the pseudorapidity range 2 < eta (mu(+/-)) < 4.5. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 2.9 fb(-1) and was collected at centreof- mass energies of 7TeV and 8TeV. The measured gamma(1 S) and gamma(2 S) production crosssections are sigma(pp -> p gamma(1S)p) = 9.0 +/- 1.7 pb and sigma(pp -> p gamma(2S)p) = 1.3 +/- 0.3 pb, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. The gamma (1S) cross-section is also measured as a function of rapidity and is found to be in good agreement with Standard Model predictions. An upper limit is set at 3.4 pb at the 95% confidence level for the exclusive gamma(3 S) production cross-section, including possible contamination from chi b (3P) -> gamma (3S)gamma decays.

Abstract: The differential cross-section of prompt inclusive production of long-lived charged particles in proton-proton collisions is measured using a data sample recorded by the LHCb experiment at a centre-of-mass energy of root s = 13 TeV. The data sample, collected with an unbiased trigger, corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 5.4 nb(-1). The differential cross-section is measured as a function of transverse momentum and pseudorapidity in the ranges P-T is an element of [80, 10 000) MeV/c and eta is an element of [2.0, 4.8) and is determined separately for positively and negatively charged particles. The results are compared with predictions from various hadronic-interaction models.

Abstract: The simulation and analysis of High Energy Physics experiments require a realistic simulation of the detector material and its distribution. The challenge is to describe all active and passive parts of large scale detectors like ATLAS in terms of their size, position and material composition. The common method for estimating the radiation length by weighing individual components, adding up their contributions and averaging the resulting material distribution over extended structures provides a good general estimate, but can deviate significantly from the material actually present. A method has been developed to assess its material distribution with high spatial resolution using the reconstructed scattering angles and hit positions of high energy electron tracks traversing an object under investigation. The study presented here shows measurements for an extended structure with a highly inhomogeneous material distribution. The structure under investigation is an End-of-Substructure-card prototype designed for the ATLAS Inner Tracker strip tracker – a PCB populated with components of a large range of material budgets and sizes. The measurements presented here summarise requirements for data samples and reconstructed electron tracks for reliable image reconstruction of large scale, inhomogeneous samples, choices of pixel sizes compared to the size of features under investigation as well as a bremsstrahlung correction for high material densities and thicknesses.

Abstract: In this paper, we review scientific opportunities and challenges related to detection and reconstruction of low-energy (less than 100 MeV) signatures in liquid argon time-projection chamber (LArTPC) neutrino detectors. LArTPC neutrino detectors designed for performing precise long-baseline oscillation measurements with GeV-scale accelerator neutrino beams also have unique sensitivity to a range of physics and astrophysics signatures via detection of event features at and below the few tens of MeV range. In addition, low-energy signatures are an integral part of GeV-scale accelerator neutrino interaction final-states, and their reconstruction can enhance the oscillation physics sensitivities of LArTPC experiments. New physics signals from accelerator and natural sources also generate diverse signatures in the low-energy range, and reconstruction of these signatures can increase the breadth of Beyond the Standard Model scenarios accessible in LArTPC-based searches. A variety of experimental and theory-related challenges remain to realizing this full range of potential benefits. Neutrino interaction cross-sections and other nuclear physics processes in argon relevant to sub-hundred-MeV LArTPC signatures are poorly understood, and improved theory and experimental measurements are needed; pion decay-at-rest sources and charged particle and neutron test beams are ideal facilities for improving this understanding. There are specific calibration needs in the low-energy range, as well as specific needs for control and understanding of radiological and cosmogenic backgrounds. Low-energy signatures, whether steady-state or part of a supernova burst or larger GeV-scale event topology, have specific triggering, DAQ and reconstruction requirements that must be addressed outside the scope of conventional GeV-scale data collection and analysis pathways. Novel concepts for future LArTPC technology that enhance low-energy capabilities should also be explored to help address these challenges.