Testing the Standard Model with the LHCb experiment

Our current best theory of particle physics is called “the Standard Model”. It describes essentially all phenomena seen in collider experiments to date, but has several shortcomings that lead physicists to expect evidence of physics beyond the Standard Model to be observed in experiments at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.

The Warwick LHCb group are leading investigations into physics beyond the Standard Model by studying particular interesting types of B hadron decays. In these decays the Standard Model predicts characteristic distributions of quantities such as decay rates and angular correlations. By measuring precisely these distributions, any observed deviations from the predictions can be used to obtain information about physics beyond the Standard Model. Recent measurements have resulted in indications that the Standard Model description is incomplete; results obtained during the project will have sufficient sensitivity to improve the significance to a level where a major discovery is possible.

The project will involve carrying out one or more analyses of such decay modes, leading to publications in prestigious high-impact journals. This will require detailed studies to maximise the sensitivity and ensure that systematic uncertainties are kept under excellent control. The project requires full participation in the LHCb experiment, including engagement in data-taking at CERN and in studies to understand the performance of the detector. Support for all these activities is provided by the Warwick group.

The project requires use of modern computing techniques. Courses in these techniques are included as a part of the elementary particle physics group’s graduate training curriculum. The project will require some international travel, including visits to CERN.

Informal enquiries should be sent to Tim Gershon ([Email Address Removed])