Date

Search for $CP$ violation in events with top quarks and Z bosons at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 and 13.6 TeV

The CMS collaboration Hayrapetyan, Aram ; Makarenko, Vladimir ; Tumasyan, Armen ; et al.
CMS-TOP-24-012, 2025.
Inspire Record 2925585 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.157847

A search for the violation of the charge-parity ($CP$) symmetry in the production of top quarks in association with Z bosons is presented, using events with at least three charged leptons and additional jets. The search is performed in a sample of proton-proton collision data collected by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC in 2016-2018 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV and in 2022 at 13.6 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 173 fb$^{-1}$. For the first time in this final state, observables that are odd under the $CP$ transformation are employed. Also for the first time, physics-informed machine-learning techniques are used to construct these observables. While for standard model (SM) processes the distributions of these observables are predicted to be symmetric around zero, $CP$-violating modifications of the SM would introduce asymmetries. Two $CP$-odd operators $\mathcal{O}_\text{tW}^\text{I}$ and $\mathcal{O}_\text{tZ}^\text{I}$ in the SM effective field theory are considered that may modify the interactions between top quarks and electroweak bosons. The obtained results are consistent with the SM prediction within two standard deviations, and exclusion limits on the associated Wilson coefficients of $-$2.7 $\lt$$c_\text{tW}^\text{I}$$\lt$ 2.5 and $-$0.2 $\lt$$c_\text{tZ}^\text{I}$$\lt$ 2.0 are set at 95% confidence level. The largest discrepancy is observed in $c_\text{tZ}^\text{I}$ where data is consistent with positive values, with an observed local significance with respect to the SM hypothesis of 2.5 standard deviations, when only linear terms are considered.

6 data tables

Distribution of the discretized $c_{\mathrm{tW}}^{\mathrm{I}}$ score for events in the $c_{\mathrm{tW}}^{\mathrm{I}}$-like category in tZq events. The contributions from the SM, linear, and quadratic terms when $c_{\mathrm{tW}}^{\mathrm{I}}$ is set to unity are plotted separately.

Distribution of the discretized $c_{\mathrm{tZ}}^{\mathrm{I}}$ score for events in the $c_{\mathrm{tZ}}^{\mathrm{I}}$-like category in $t\bar{t}Z$ events. The contributions from the SM, linear, and quadratic terms when $c_{\mathrm{tZ}}^{\mathrm{I}}$ is set to unity are plotted separately.

Distribution of the discretized $c_{\mathrm{tW}}^{\mathrm{I}}$ score for events in the $c_{\mathrm{tW}}^{\mathrm{I}}$-like category, compared with the predictions obtained when all fit parameters are set to their maximum likelihood value in the linear fit.

More…

Search for dark matter produced in association with one or two top quarks in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

The CMS collaboration Chekhovsky, Vladimir ; Hayrapetyan, Aram ; Makarenko, Vladimir ; et al.
CMS-EXO-22-014, 2025.
Inspire Record 2919645 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.154755

A search is performed for dark matter (DM) produced in association with a single top quark or a pair of top quarks using the data collected with the CMS detector at the LHC from proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to 138 fb$^{-1}$ of integrated luminosity. An excess of events with a large imbalance of transverse momentum is searched for across 0, 1 and 2 lepton final states. Novel multivariate techniques are used to take advantage of the differences in kinematic properties between the two DM production mechanisms. No significant deviations with respect to the standard model predictions are observed. The results are interpreted considering a simplified model in which the mediator is either a scalar or pseudoscalar particle and couples to top quarks and to DM fermions. Axion-like particles that are coupled to top quarks and DM fermions are also considered. Expected exclusion limits of 410 and 380 GeV for scalar and pseudoscalar mediator masses, respectively, are set at the 95% confidence level. A DM particle mass of 1 GeV is assumed, with mediator couplings to fermions and DM particles set to unity. A small signal-like excess is observed in data, with the largest local significance observed to be 1.9 standard deviations for the 150 GeV pseudoscalar mediator hypothesis. Because of this excess, mediator masses are only excluded below 310 (320) GeV for the scalar (pseudoscalar) mediator. The results are also translated into model-independent 95% confidence level upper limits on the visible cross section of DM production in association with top quarks, ranging from 1 pb to 0.02 pb.

57 data tables

The post-fit $p_{\mathrm{T}}^{\text{miss}}$ distribution of the 1 b jet, 0 forward jet signal region in the all hadronic channel. A representative signal model distribution is shown for the scalar mediator interaction with $(m_{\chi},m_{\phi})=(1,100)$GeV and couplings set to unity. The grey dashed area in the upper panel represents the total uncertainty in all of the backgrounds and the chosen signal model, while in the lower panel it represents only the total uncertainty in the backgrounds.

The post-fit $p_{\mathrm{T}}^{\text{miss}}$ distribution of the 1 b jet, $\geq 1$ forward jet signal region in the all hadronic channel. A representative signal model distribution is shown for the scalar mediator interaction with $(m_{\chi},m_{\phi})=(1,100)$GeV and couplings set to unity. The grey dashed area in the upper panel represents the total uncertainty in all of the backgrounds and the chosen signal model, while in the lower panel it represents only the total uncertainty in the backgrounds.

The post-fit $p_{\mathrm{T}}^{\text{miss}}$ distribution of the $\geq 2$ b jet signal region in the all hadronic channel. A representative signal model distribution is shown for the scalar mediator interaction with $(m_{\chi},m_{\phi})=(1,100)$GeV and couplings set to unity. The grey dashed area in the upper panel represents the total uncertainty in all of the backgrounds and the chosen signal model, while in the lower panel it represents only the total uncertainty in the backgrounds.

More…

Combination and interpretation of differential Higgs boson production cross sections in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

The CMS collaboration Chekhovsky, Vladimir ; Hayrapetyan, Aram ; Makarenko, Vladimir ; et al.
CMS-HIG-23-013, 2025.
Inspire Record 2913615 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.156816

Precision measurements of Higgs boson differential production cross sections are a key tool to probe the properties of the Higgs boson and test the standard model. New physics can affect both Higgs boson production and decay, leading to deviations from the distributions that are expected in the standard model. In this paper, combined measurements of differential spectra in a fiducial region matching the experimental selections are performed, based on analyses of four Higgs boson decay channels ($\gamma\gamma$, ZZ$^{(*)}$, WW$^{(*)}$, and $\tau\tau$) using proton-proton collision data recorded with the CMS detector at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb$^{-1}$. The differential measurements are extrapolated to the full phase space and combined to provide the differential spectra. A measurement of the total Higgs boson production cross section is also performed using the $\gamma\gamma$ and ZZ decay channels, with a result of 53.4$^{+2.9}_{-2.9}$ (stat)$^{+1.9}_{-1.8}$ (syst) pb, consistent with the standard model prediction of 55.6 $\pm$ 2.5 pb. The fiducial measurements are used to compute limits on Higgs boson couplings using the $\kappa$-framework and the SM effective field theory.

17 data tables

Observed best fit differential cross section for the $p_{T}^{H}$ observable

Observed best fit differential cross section for the $N_{jets}$ observable

Observed best fit differential cross section for the $p_{T}^{j1}$ (GeV) observable

More…

Search for charged-lepton flavour violation in top quark interactions with an up-type quark, a muon, and a $\tau$ lepton in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

The CMS collaboration Hayrapetyan, Aram ; Tumasyan, Armen ; Adam, Wolfgang ; et al.
CMS-TOP-22-011, 2025.
Inspire Record 2911292 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.153300

A search for charged-lepton flavour violation (CLFV) in top quark (t) production and decay is presented. The search uses proton-proton collision data corresponding to 138 fb$^{-1}$ collected with the CMS experiment at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV. The signal consists of the production of a single top quark via a CLFV interaction or top quark pair production followed by a CLFV decay. The analysis selects events containing a pair of oppositely charged muon and hadronically decaying $\tau$ lepton and at least three jets, where one has been identified to originate from the fragmentation of a bottom quark. Machine learning classification techniques are used to distinguish signal from standard model background events. The results of this search are consistent with the standard model expectations. The upper limits at 95% confidence level on the branching fraction $\mathcal{B}$ for CLFV top quark decays to a muon, a $\tau$ lepton, and an up or a charm quark are set at $\mathcal{B}$(t $\to \mu\tau$u) $\lt$ (0.040, 0.078, and 0.118) $\times$ 10$^{-6}$, and $\mathcal{B}$(t $\to\mu\tau$c) $\lt$ (0.810, 1.710, and 2.052) $\times$ 10$^{-6}$ for scalar, vector, and tensor-like operators, respectively.

2 data tables

The expected and observed upper limits on CLFV Wilson coefficients. The Limits on the Wilson coefficients are extracted from the upper limits on the cross sections.

The expected and observed upper limits on top quark CLFV branching fractions. The Limits on the top quark CLFV branching fractions are extracted from the upper limits on the Wilson coefficients.


Observation of WZ$\gamma$ production and constraints on new physics scenarios in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

The CMS collaboration Chekhovsky, Vladimir ; Hayrapetyan, Aram ; Makarenko, Vladimir ; et al.
CMS-SMP-22-018, 2025.
Inspire Record 2905870 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.157601

A measurement of the WZ$\gamma$ triboson production cross section is presented. The analysis is based on a data sample of proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb$^{-1}$. The analysis focuses on the final state with three charged leptons, $\ell^\pm\nu\ell^+\ell^-$, where $\ell$ = e or $\mu$, accompanied by an additional photon. The observed (expected) significance of the WZ$\gamma$ signal is 5.4 (3.8) standard deviations. The cross section is measured in a fiducial region to be 5.48 $\pm$ 1.11 fb, which is compatible with the prediction of 3.69 $\pm$ 0.24 fb at next-to-leading order in quantum chromodynamics. Exclusion limits are set on anomalous quartic gauge couplings and on the production cross sections of massive axion-like particles.

6 data tables

The distributions of the variables used in the simultaneous fit for the nonprompt $l$ CR. The black points with error bars represent the data and their statistical uncertainties, whereas the shaded band represents the predicted uncertainties. The bottom panel in each figure shows the ratio of the number of events observed in data to that of the total SM prediction. The last bin of each plot has been extended to include the overflow contribution.

The distributions of the variables used in the simultaneous fit for the nonprompt $\gamma$ CR. The black points with error bars represent the data and their statistical uncertainties, whereas the shaded band represents the predicted uncertainties. The bottom panel in each figure shows the ratio of the number of events observed in data to that of the total SM prediction. The last bin of each plot has been extended to include the overflow contribution.

The distributions of the variables used in the simultaneous fit for the ZZ CR. The black points with error bars represent the data and their statistical uncertainties, whereas the shaded band represents the predicted uncertainties. The bottom panel in each figure shows the ratio of the number of events observed in data to that of the total SM prediction. The last bin of each plot has been extended to include the overflow contribution.

More…

Version 2
Search for $t$-channel scalar and vector leptoquark exchange in the high-mass dimuon and dielectron spectra in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

The CMS collaboration Hayrapetyan, Aram ; Tumasyan, Armen ; Adam, Wolfgang ; et al.
CMS-EXO-22-013, 2025.
Inspire Record 2904423 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.156848

A search for $t$-channel exchange of leptoquarks (LQs) is performed in dimuon and dielectron spectra using proton-proton collision data collected at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV with the CMS detector at the CERN LHC. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb$^{-1}$. Eight scenarios are considered, in which scalar or vector LQs couple up or down quarks to muons or electrons, for dilepton invariant masses above 500 GeV. The LQ masses are probed up to 5 TeV, beyond a regime probed by previous pair-production and single-production searches. The differential distributions of dilepton events are fit to templates that model the nonresonant LQ exchange and various standard model background processes. Limits are set on LQ-fermion coupling strengths for scalar and vector LQ masses in the 1-5 TeV range at 95% confidence level, establishing stringent limits on first- and second-generation LQs.

26 data tables

Observed and Expected UL exclusions on the $BR(H\to SUEP)$ of hadronic signals with $m_{A'} = 0.7\;GeV$ and $BR(A' \rightarrow ee) = BR(A' \rightarrow \mu\mu) = 0.15$ and $BR(A' \rightarrow \pi\pi) = 0.7$.

The observed data in the dielectron channel and the fitted signal-plus-background templates, shown for the $S_{e u}$ scenario with a candidate LQ mass of 2.5 TeV. Distributions of events are binned in the reconstructed dilepton mass, rapidity, and cosine theta.

Observed and Expected UL exclusions on the $BR(H\to S)$ of leptonic signals with $m_{A'} = 0.5\;GeV$ and $BR(A' \rightarrow ee) = BR(A' \rightarrow \mu\mu) = 0.2$ and $BR(A' \rightarrow \pi\pi) = 0.6$.

More…

Search for vector-like leptons with long-lived particle decays in the CMS muon system in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

The CMS collaboration Chekhovsky, Vladimir ; Hayrapetyan, Aram ; Makarenko, Vladimir ; et al.
CMS-EXO-23-015, 2025.
Inspire Record 2902874 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.156846

A first search is presented for vector-like leptons (VLLs) decaying into a light long-lived pseudoscalar boson and a standard model $\tau$ lepton. The pseudoscalar boson is assumed to have a mass of 2 GeV and to decay exclusively into a pair of photons. It is identified using the CMS muon system. The analysis is carried out using a data set of proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV collected by the CMS experiment in 2016-2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb$^{-1}$. Selected events contain at least one pseudoscalar boson decaying electromagnetically in the muon system and at least one hadronically decaying $\tau$ lepton. No significant excess of data events is observed compared to the background expectation. Upper limits are set at 95% confidence level on the vector-like lepton production cross section as a function of the VLL mass and the pseudoscalar boson mean proper decay length. The observed and expected exclusion ranges of the VLL mass extend up to 700 and 670 GeV, respectively, depending on the pseudoscalar boson lifetime.

10 data tables

Distributions of the number of hits in the cluster (Nhits) for the DT category in the signal region (SR). The last histogram bin contains all overflow events.

Distributions of the number of hits in the cluster (Nhits) for the CSC category in the signal region (SR). The last histogram bin contains all overflow events.

Distributions of the number of hits in the cluster (Nhits) for the DT category in the out-of-time (OOT) region. The last histogram bin contains all overflow events.

More…

Measurements of the inclusive W and Z boson production cross sections and their ratios in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13.6 TeV

The CMS collaboration Chekhovsky, Vladimir ; Hayrapetyan, Aram ; Makarenko, Vladimir ; et al.
CMS-SMP-22-017, 2025.
Inspire Record 2900021 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.157226

Measurements are presented of the W and Z boson production cross sections in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13.6 TeV. Data collected in 2022 and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.01 fb$^{-1}$ with one or two identified muons in the final state are analyzed. The results for the products of total inclusive cross sections and branching fractions for muonic decays of W and Z bosons are 11.93 $\pm$ 0.08 (syst) $\pm$ 0.17 (lumi) $^{+0.07}_{-0.07}$ (acc) nb for W$^+$ boson production, 8.86 $\pm$ 0.06 (syst) $\pm$ 0.12 (lumi) $^{+0.05}_{-0.06}$ (acc) nb for W$^-$ boson production, and 2.021 $\pm$ 0.009 (syst) $\pm$ 0.028 (lumi) $^{+0.011}_{-0.013}$ (acc) nb for the Z boson production in the dimuon mass range of 60-120 GeV, all with negligible statistical uncertainties. Furthermore, the corresponding fiducial cross sections, as well as cross section ratios for both fiducial and total phase space, are provided. The ratios include charge-separated results for W boson production (W$^+$ and W$^-$) and the sum of the two contributions (W$^\pm$), each relative to the measured Z boson production cross section. Additionally, the ratio of the measured cross sections for W$^+$ and W$^-$ boson production is reported. All measurements are in agreement with theoretical predictions, calculated at next-to-next-to-leading order accuracy in quantum chromodynamics.

17 data tables

Corrected normalized distribution of the transverse momentum of the leading muon in the Z boson signal region. Simulated contributions from Z boson, electroweak, and ttbar production, as well as their sum, and the data are shown.

Corrected normalized distribution of the transverse momentum of the trailing muon in the Z boson signal region. Simulated contributions from Z boson, electroweak, and ttbar production, as well as their sum, and the data are shown.

Corrected normalized distribution of the missing transverse momentum in the Z boson signal region. Simulated contributions from Z boson, electroweak, and ttbar production, as well as their sum, and the data are shown.

More…

Search for $\gamma$H production and constraints on the Yukawa couplings of light quarks to the Higgs boson

The CMS collaboration Chekhovsky, Vladimir ; Hayrapetyan, Aram ; Makarenko, Vladimir ; et al.
CMS-HIG-23-011, 2025.
Inspire Record 2878504 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.154965

A search for $\gamma$H production is performed with data from the CMS experiment at the LHC corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb$^{-1}$ at a proton-proton center-of-mass collision energy of 13 TeV. The analysis focuses on the topology of a boosted Higgs boson recoiling against a high-energy photon. The final states of H $\to$$\mathrm{b\bar{b}}$ and H $\to$ 4$\ell$ are analyzed. This study examines effective HZ$\gamma$ and H$\gamma\gamma$ anomalous couplings within the context of an effective field theory. In this approach, the production cross section is constrained to be $\sigma_{\gamma\text{H}}$$\lt$ 16.4 fb at 95% confidence level (CL). Simultaneous constraints on four anomalous couplings involving HZ$\gamma$ and H$\gamma\gamma$ are provided. Additionally, the production rate for H $\to$ 4$\ell$ is examined to assess potential enhancements in the Yukawa couplings between light quarks and the Higgs boson. Assuming the standard model values for the Yukawa couplings of the bottom and top quarks,the following simultaneous constraints are obtained: $\kappa_\text{u}$ = (0.0 $\pm$ 1.5) $\times$ 10$^{3}$, $\kappa_\text{d}$ = (0.0 $\pm$ 7.1) $\times$ 10$^{2}$, $\kappa_\text{s}$ = 0$^{+33}_{-34}$, and $\kappa_\text{c}$ = 0.0$^{+2.7}_{-3.0}$. This rules out the hypothesis that up- or down-type quarks in the first or second generation have the same Yukawa couplings as those in the third generation, with a CL greater than 95%.

39 data tables

Observed and expected constraints on the $\gamma H$ cross section $\sigma_{\gamma H}$ and on the $c_{\gamma\gamma}$, $c_{z\gamma}$, $\tilde{c}_{\gamma\gamma}$, $\tilde{c}_{z\gamma}$ couplings using the $ H\to b \bar b$ and $4\ell$ channels combined. The third and fourth rows show constraints on cross section multiplied by the branching fraction using the $H \rightarrow b \bar b $ and $H \rightarrow 4\ell$ channels only, respectively. The 68% (central value with uncertainties) and 95% (upper limit or allowed intervals) CL exclusion regions are shown.

Observed and expected constraints on the $\kappa_{u}$, $\kappa_{d}$, $\kappa_{s}$, and $\kappa_{c}$ couplings are shown using the $H \to 4\ell$ channel. In one scenario, all couplings except the one being shown are fixed at their SM values. In the other scenario, the Yukawa couplings for the three other light quarks are left unconstrained, and BSM contributions are allowed. The 68% (central value with error bars) and 95% (bracketed range or upper limit) CL exclusion regions are displayed.

Observed and expected constraints on the $\bar\kappa_{u}$, $\bar\kappa_{d}$, $\bar\kappa_{s}$, and $\bar\kappa_{c}$ defined as $\bar\kappa_{q}=y_{q}v/m_{b}$, following the same conventions as outlined in Table 3.

More…

Search for hadronic decays of feebly-interacting particles at NA62

The NA62 collaboration Cortina Gil, Eduardo ; Jerhot, Jan ; Lurkin, Nicolas ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 85 (2025) 571, 2025.
Inspire Record 2877075 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.156981

The NA62 experiment at CERN has the capability to collect data in a beam-dump mode, where 400 GeV protons are dumped on an absorber. In this configuration, New Physics particles, including dark photons, dark scalars, and axion-like particles, may be produced in the absorber and decay in the instrumented volume beginning approximately 80 m downstream of the dump. A search for these particles decaying in flight to hadronic final states is reported, based on an analysis of a sample of $1.4 \times 10^{17}$ protons on dump collected in 2021. No evidence of a New Physics signal is observed, excluding new regions of parameter spaces of multiple models.

66 data tables

90% CL upper limit in dark photon coupling vs mass parameter space for combined di-lepton and hadronic final states, using bremsstrahlung production without the time-like form factor.

90% CL upper limit in dark photon coupling vs mass parameter space for combined di-lepton and hadronic final states, including mixing and bremsstrahlung production with a time-like form factor.

90% CL upper limit in dark scalar coupling vs mass parameter space for combined di-lepton and hadronic final states.

More…