We present searches for light dark matter (DM) with masses 3-9 GeV/$c^2$ in the presence of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CE$ν$NS) from $^{8}$B solar neutrinos with the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment. This analysis uses a 5.7 tonne-year exposure with data collected between March 2023 and April 2025. In an energy range spanning 1-6 keV, we report no significant excess of events attributable to dark matter nuclear recoils, but we observe a significant signal from $^{8}$B CE$ν$NS interactions that is consistent with expectation. We set world-leading limits on spin-independent and spin-dependent-neutron DM-nucleon interactions for masses down to 5 GeV/$c^2$. In the no-dark-matter scenario, we observe a signal consistent with $^{8}$B CE$ν$NS events, corresponding to a $4.5σ$ statistical significance. This is the most significant evidence of $^{8}$B CE$ν$NS interactions and is enabled by robust background modeling and mitigation techniques. This demonstrates LZ's ability to detect rare signals at keV-scale energies.
90% CL WIMP SI cross sections, including sensitivities
90% CL WIMP SDn cross sections, including sensitivities and nuclear structure uncertainties
90% CL WIMP SDp cross sections, including sensitivities and nuclear structure uncertainties
In this letter, the first measurement of the femtoscopic correlation of protons and $Σ^+$ hyperons is presented and used to study the p$-Σ^+$ interaction. The measurement is performed with the ALICE detector in high-multiplicity triggered pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV. The $Σ^+$ hyperons are reconstructed using a missing-mass approach in the decay channel to $\textrm{p} + π^0$ with $π^0\rightarrowγγ$, while both $Σ^+$ and protons are identified using a machine learning approach. These techniques result in a high reconstruction efficiency and purity, which allows the measurement of the p$-Σ^+$ correlation function for the first time. Thanks to the high significance achieved in the p$-Σ^+$ correlation signal, it is possible to discriminate between the predictions of different models of the N$-Σ$ interaction and to accomplish a first determination of the p$-Σ^+$ scattering parameters.
Raw correlation function $C(k^{*})$ of $\textrm{p}-\Sigma^+$ and $\bar{\textrm{p}}-\bar{\Sigma}^-$ in high-multiplicity triggered pp collisions at $\sqrt{{s}}=13$ TeV. The data points are shifted to the center of gravity of the mixed-event distribution.
Corrected (genuine) correlation function $C(k^{*})$ of $\textrm{p}-\Sigma^+$ and $\bar{\textrm{p}}-\bar{\Sigma}^-$ in high-multiplicity triggered pp collisions at $\sqrt{{s}}=13$ TeV. The data points are corrected by the genuine $\lambda$ parameter, assuming that the non-genuine correlation function is unity (flat). No momentum unfolding is applied to the data points. The data points are shifted to the center of gravity of the mixed-event distribution.
Meson-baryon systems with strangeness content provide a unique laboratory for investigating the strong interaction and testing theoretical models of hadron structure and dynamics. In this work, the measured correlation functions for oppositely charged $Ξ-{\rm K}$ and $Ξ-π$ pairs obtained in high-multiplicity pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV at the LHC are presented. For the first time, high-precision data on the $Ξ-{\rm K}$ interaction are delivered at small relative momenta. The scattering lengths, extracted via the Lednický-Lyuboshits expression of the pair wavefunction, indicate a repulsive and a shallow attractive strong interaction for the $Ξ-{\rm K}$ and $Ξ-π$ systems, respectively. The $Ξ(1620)$ and $Ξ(1690)$ states are observed in the $Ξ-π$ correlation function and their properties, mass and width, are determined. These measurements are in agreement with other available results. Such high-precision data can help refine the understanding of these resonant states, provide stronger constraints for chirally motivated potentials, and address the key challenge of describing the coupled-channel dynamics that may give rise to molecular configurations.
The $\Xi$K correlation function.
The genuine $\Xi$K correlation function.
The $\Xi\pi$ correlation function.
This article reports on a search for dijet resonances using $132$ fb$^{-1}$ of $pp$ collision data recorded at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The search is performed solely on jets reconstructed within the ATLAS trigger to overcome bandwidth limitations imposed on conventional single-jet triggers, which would otherwise reject data from decays of sub-TeV dijet resonances. Collision events with two jets satisfying transverse momentum thresholds of $p_{\textrm{T}} \ge 85$ GeV and jet rapidity separation of $|y^{*}|<0.6$ are analysed for dijet resonances with invariant masses from $375$ to $1800$ GeV. A data-driven background estimate is used to model the dijet mass distribution from multijet processes. No significant excess above the expected background is observed. Upper limits are set at $95\%$ confidence level on coupling values for a benchmark leptophobic axial-vector $Z^{\prime}$ model and on the production cross-section for a new resonance contributing a Gaussian-distributed line-shape to the dijet mass distribution.
Observed $m_{jj}$ distribution for the J50 signal region, using variable-width bins and the analysis selections. The background estimate corresponds to the ansatz fit, integrated over each bin.
Observed $m_{jj}$ distribution for the J100 signal region, using variable-width bins and the analysis selections. The background estimate corresponds to the ansatz fit, integrated over each bin.
Observed 95% $\text{CL}_\text{S}$ upper limits on the production cross-section times acceptance times branching ratio to jets, $\sigma \cdot A \cdot \text{BR}$, of Gaussian-shaped signals of 5%, 10%, and 15% width relative to their peak mass, $m_G$. Also included are the corresponding expected upper limits predicted for the case the $m_{jj}$ distribution is observed to be identical to the background prediction in each bin and the $1\sigma$ and $2\sigma$ envelopes of outcomes expected for Poisson fluctuations around the background expectation. Limits are derived from the J50 signal region.
The measurement of $\Sigma^{+}$ production in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV is presented. The measurement is performed at midrapidity in both minimum-bias and high-multiplicity pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV. The $\Sigma^{+}$ is reconstructed via its weak-decay topology in the decay channel $\Sigma^{+} \rightarrow {p} + \pi^{0}$ with $\pi^{0} \rightarrow \gamma + \gamma$. In a novel approach, the neutral pion is reconstructed by combining photons that convert in the detector material with photons measured in the calorimeters. The transverse-momentum ($p_{T}$) distributions of the $\Sigma^{+}$ and its rapidity densities d$N/$dy in both event classes are reported. The $p_{T}$ spectrum in minimum-bias collisions is compared to QCD-inspired event generators. The ratio of $\Sigma^{+}$ to previously measured $\Lambda$ baryons is in good agreement with calculations from the Statistical Hadronization Model. The high efficiency and purity of the novel reconstruction method for $\Sigma^{+}$ presented here will enable future studies of the interaction of $\Sigma^{+}$ with protons in the context of femtoscopic measurements, which could be crucial for understanding the equation of state of neutron stars.
$p_\mathrm{T}$-differential production yield of $\Sigma^+$ and $\bar{\Sigma}^-$ baryons in the high-multiplicity triggered pp collisions at $\sqrt{{s}}=13~\mathrm{{TeV}}$ in the rapidity interval $|y|<0.8$.
$p_\mathrm{T}$-differential production yield of $\Sigma^+$ and $\bar{\Sigma}^-$ baryons in the minimum-bias triggered pp collisions at $\sqrt{{s}}=13~\mathrm{{TeV}}$ in the rapidity interval $|y|<0.8$.
The first measurement at midrapidity ($|y| < 0.5$) of the production yield of the strange-charm baryons $Ξ_c^+$ and $Ξ_c^0$ as a function of transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) in different charged-particle multiplicity classes in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV with the ALICE experiment at the LHC is reported. The $Ξ_c^+$ baryon is reconstructed via the $Ξ_c^+ \rightarrow Ξ^-π^+π^+$ decay channel in the range $4 < p_{\rm T} < 12$ GeV/$c$, while the $Ξ_c^0$ baryon is reconstructed via both the $Ξ_c^0 \rightarrow Ξ^-π^+$ and $Ξ_c^0 \rightarrow Ξ^-e^+ν_e$ decay channels in the range $2 < p_{\rm T} < 12$ GeV/$c$. The baryon-to-meson ($Ξ_c^{0,+}/{\rm D}^0$) and the baryon-to-baryon ($Ξ_c^{0,+}/Λ_{\rm c}^+$) production yield ratios show no significant dependence on multiplicity. In addition, the observed yield ratios are not described by theoretical predictions that model charm-quark fragmentation based on measurements at $e^+e^-$ and $e^-$p colliders, indicating differences in the charm-baryon production mechanism in pp collisions. A comparison with different event generators and tunings, including different modelling of the hadronisation process, is also discussed. Moreover, the branching-fraction ratio of BR($Ξ_c^0 \rightarrow Ξ^-e^+ν_e$)/BR($Ξ_c^0 \rightarrow Ξ^-π^+$) is measured as 0.825 $\pm$ 0.094 (stat.) $\pm$ 0.081 (syst.). This value supersedes the previous ALICE measurement, improving the statistical precision by a factor of 1.6.
$p_{\rm T}$-differential per-event yield of prompt $\Xi_c^0$ baryons measured in the different multiplicity classes.
$p_{\rm T}$-differential per-event yield of prompt $\Xi_c^+$ baryons measured in the different multiplicity classes.
Ratio between the prompt $\Xi_c^0$ baryons in a multiplicity class to the multiplicity-integrated (INEL $>$ 0) class.
The dependence of f$_0$(980) production on the final-state charged-particle multiplicity is reported for proton-proton (pp) collisions at the centre-of-mass energy, $\sqrt{s}= 13$ TeV. The production of f$_0$(980) is measured with the ALICE detector via the f$_0(980) \rightarrow π^{+}π^{-}$ decay channel in a midrapidity region of $|y| < 0.5$. The evolution of the integrated yields and mean transverse momentum of f$_{0}$(980) as a function of charged-particle multiplicity measured in pp at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV follows the trends observed in pp at $\sqrt{s} = 5.02$ TeV and in proton-lead (p-Pb) collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV. Particle yield ratios of f$_{0}$(980) to $π^{\pm}$ and K$^{*}$(892)$^{0}$ are found to decrease with increasing charged-particle multiplicity. These particle ratios are compared with calculations from the canonical statistical thermal model as a function of charged-particle multiplicity. The thermal model calculations provide a better description of the decreasing trend of particle ratios when no strange or antistrange quark composition for f$_{0}$(980) is assumed, which suggests that the tetraquark interpretation of the f$_{0}$(980) is disfavored.
Transverse momentum spectra in different multiplicity classes. Each spectrum is corrected for the branching ratio of (46 $\pm$ 6)% based on [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111 no. 6, (2013) 062001].
The ratio of transverse momentum spectrum to the INEL > 0 spectrum
Transverse momentum integrated f0(980) yield in pp collisions
The transverse momentum spectra and integrated yields of $\overlineΣ^{\pm}$ have been measured in pp and p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV with the ALICE experiment. Measurements are performed via the newly accessed decay channel $\overlineΣ^{\pm} \rightarrow {\rm\overline{n}}π^{\pm}$. A new method of antineutron reconstruction with the PHOS electromagnetic spectrometer is developed and applied to this analysis. The $p_{\rm T}$ spectra of $\overlineΣ^{\pm}$ are measured in the range $0.5 < p_{\rm T} < 3$ GeV/$c$ and compared to predictions of the PYTHIA 8, DPMJET, PHOJET, EPOS LHC and EPOS4 models. The EPOS LHC and EPOS4 models provide the best descriptions of the measured spectra both in pp and p-Pb collisions, while models which do not account for multiparton interactions provide a considerably worse description at high $p_{\rm T}$. The total yields of $\overlineΣ^{\pm}$ in both pp and p-Pb collisions are compared to predictions of the Thermal-FIST model and dynamical models PYTHIA 8, DPMJET, PHOJET, EPOS LHC and EPOS4. All models reproduce the total yields in both colliding systems within uncertainties. The nuclear modification factors $R_{\rm pPb}$ for both $\overlineΣ^{+}$ and $\overlineΣ^{-}$ are evaluated and compared to those of protons, $Λ$ and $Ξ$ hyperons, and predictions of EPOS LHC and EPOS4 models. No deviations of $R_{\rm pPb}$ for $\overlineΣ^{\pm}$ from the model predictions or measurements for other hadrons are found within uncertainties.
$p_\mathrm{{T}}$-differential production yield of $\overline{\Sigma}^{+}$ in INEL pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=5.02~\mathrm{{TeV}}$ in the rapidity interval $|y|<0.5$.
$p_\mathrm{{T}}$-differential production yield of $\overline{\Sigma}^{-}$ in INEL pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=5.02~\mathrm{{TeV}}$ in the rapidity interval $|y|<0.5$.
$p_\mathrm{{T}}$-differential production yield of $\overline{\Sigma}^{+}$ in NSD p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}=5.02~\mathrm{{TeV}}$ in the rapidity interval $|y_\mathrm{CMS}|<0.5$.
This paper presents a search for physics beyond the Standard Model targeting a heavy resonance visible in the invariant mass of the lepton-jet system. The analysis focuses on final states with a high-energy lepton and jet, and is optimised for the resonant production of leptoquarks-a novel production mode mediated by the lepton content of the proton originating from quantum fluctuations. Four distinct and orthogonal final states are considered: $e$+light jet, $μ$+light jet, $e$+$b$-jet, and $μ$+$b$-jet, constituting the first search at the Large Hadron Collider for resonantly produced leptoquarks with couplings to electrons and muons. Events with an additional same-flavour lepton, as expected from higher-order diagrams in the signal process, are also included in each channel. The search uses proton-proton collision data from the full Run 2, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 140 fb$^{-1}$ at a centre-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV, and from a part of Run 3 (2022-2023), corresponding to 55 fb$^{-1}$ at $\sqrt{s} = 13.6$ TeV. No significant excess over Standard Model predictions is observed. The results are interpreted as exclusion limits on scalar leptoquark ($\tilde{S}_1$) production, substantially improving upon previous ATLAS constraints from leptoquark pair production for large coupling values. The excluded $\tilde{S}_1$ mass ranges depend on the coupling strength, reaching up to 3.4 TeV for quark-lepton couplings $y_{de} = 1.0$, and up to 4.3 TeV, 3.1 TeV, and 2.8 TeV for $y_{sμ}$, $y_{be}$, and $y_{bμ}$ couplings set to 3.5, respectively.
Data (dots) and post-fit SM distribution (histograms) of m<sub>ℓj</sub> in (a, b) SR-1L-ej and (c, d) SR-2L-ej of the e+light-jet channel obtained by a CR+SR background-only fit for Run 2 and Run 3, respectively. The lower panel shows the ratio of observed data to the total post- and pre-fit SM prediction. The last bin includes the overflow. Uncertainties in the background estimates include both the statistical and systematic uncertainties, with correlations between uncertainties taken into account. The dashed lines show the predicted yields for two benchmark signal models corresponding to S̃<sub>1</sub> (m, y<sub>de</sub>) = (2.0 TeV, 1.0) and S̃<sub>1</sub> (m, y<sub>de</sub>) = (3.0 TeV, 1.0), respectively. Note: the values in the table are normalized by the width of corresponding bin
Data (dots) and post-fit SM distribution (histograms) of m<sub>ℓj</sub> in (a, b) SR-1L-ej and (c, d) SR-2L-ej of the e+light-jet channel obtained by a CR+SR background-only fit for Run 2 and Run 3, respectively. The lower panel shows the ratio of observed data to the total post- and pre-fit SM prediction. The last bin includes the overflow. Uncertainties in the background estimates include both the statistical and systematic uncertainties, with correlations between uncertainties taken into account. The dashed lines show the predicted yields for two benchmark signal models corresponding to S̃<sub>1</sub> (m, y<sub>de</sub>) = (2.0 TeV, 1.0) and S̃<sub>1</sub> (m, y<sub>de</sub>) = (3.0 TeV, 1.0), respectively. Note: the values in the table are normalized by the width of corresponding bin
Data (dots) and post-fit SM distribution (histograms) of m<sub>ℓj</sub> in (a, b) SR-1L-ej and (c, d) SR-2L-ej of the e+light-jet channel obtained by a CR+SR background-only fit for Run 2 and Run 3, respectively. The lower panel shows the ratio of observed data to the total post- and pre-fit SM prediction. The last bin includes the overflow. Uncertainties in the background estimates include both the statistical and systematic uncertainties, with correlations between uncertainties taken into account. The dashed lines show the predicted yields for two benchmark signal models corresponding to S̃<sub>1</sub> (m, y<sub>de</sub>) = (2.0 TeV, 1.0) and S̃<sub>1</sub> (m, y<sub>de</sub>) = (3.0 TeV, 1.0), respectively. Note: the values in the table are normalized by the width of corresponding bin
A measurement of the top-quark pole mass $m_{t}^\text{pole}$ is presented in $t\bar{t}$ events with an additional jet, $t\bar{t}+1\text{-jet}$, produced in $pp$ collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV. The data sample, recorded with the ATLAS experiment during Run 2 of the LHC, corresponds to an integrated luminosity of $140~\text{fb}^{-1}$. Events with one electron and one muon of opposite electric charge in the final state are selected to measure the $t\bar{t}+1\text{-jet}$ differential cross-section as a function of the inverse of the invariant mass of the $t\bar{t}+1\text{-jet}$ system. Iterative Bayesian Unfolding is used to correct the data to enable comparison with fixed-order calculations at next-to-leading-order accuracy in the strong coupling. The process $pp \to t\bar{t}j$ ($2 \rightarrow 3$), where top quarks are taken as stable particles, and the process $pp \to b\bar{b}l^+νl^- \barν j$ ($2 \to 7$), which includes top-quark decays to the dilepton final state and off-shell effects, are considered. The top-quark mass is extracted using a $χ^2$ fit of the unfolded normalized differential cross-section distribution. The results obtained with the $2 \to 3$ and $2 \to 7$ calculations are compatible within theoretical uncertainties, providing an important consistency check. The more precise determination is obtained for the $2 \to 3 $ measurement: $m_{t}^\text{pole}=170.7\pm0.3~(\text{stat.})\pm1.4~(\text{syst.})~\pm 0.3~(\text{scale})~\pm 0.2~(\text{PDF}\oplusα_\text{S})~\text{GeV},$ which is in good agreement with other top-quark mass results.
Unfolded number of events in the 2-to-3measurement (not normalized). The parton level is defined with two stable top-quarks and a jet with $p_{T}>50$ GeV and $|\eta|<2.5$.
Covariance matrix for statistical effects of the measured number of events after unfolding, for the 2-to-3 measurement (not normalized)
Covariance matrix for statistical and systematic effects of the measured number of events after unfolding, for the 2-to-3 measurement (not normalized)