Quirky collider signals of folded supersymmetry

We investigate the collider signals associated with scalar quirks (squirks) in folded supersymmetric models. As opposed to regular superpartners in supersymmetric models these particles are uncolored, but are instead charged under a new confining group, leading to radically different collider signals. Because of the new strong dynamics, squirks that are pair produced do not hadronize separately, but rather form a highly excited bound state. The excited squirkonium loses energy to radiation before annihilating back into standard model particles. We calculate the branching fractions into various channels for this process, which is prompt on collider time scales. The most promising annihilation channel for discovery is W+photon which dominates for squirkonium near its ground state. We demonstrate the feasibility of the LHC search, showing that the mass peak is visible above the SM continuum background and estimate the discovery reach.

State of Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

Brazilian National Counsel for Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq)

National Science Foundation NSF[PHY-0408954]

National Science Foundation NSF[PHY-04-57315]

Department of Energy (DOE)[DE-AC02-05CH11231]

Department of Energy (DOE)[DE-AC0276SF00515]