6–10 Jul 2026
University of the Western Cape
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
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Monte Carlo Background Modelling and Signal Sensitivity Studies in the Diphoton Final State in Association with an electron with ATLAS Run-3 Data

8 Jul 2026, 11:00
20m
Lecture Hall GH3 (University of the Western Cape)

Lecture Hall GH3

University of the Western Cape

Oral Presentation Track B - Nuclear, Particle and Radiation Physics Nuclear, Particle and Radiation Physics -2

Speaker

Baballo-Victor Ndhlovu (University of the Witwatersrand)

Description

In this work, we study the sensitivity of a diphoton analysis to potential resonant signals using ATLAS Run-3 data and Monte Carlo (MC) simulated samples. The analysis focuses on optimising event selection and object identification, including studies of electron identification working points and event-level requirements, to improve discrimination between MC signal and Standard Model backgrounds. The ATLAS analysis framework is used to construct and compare signal and background distributions for key kinematic observables. Background contributions from dominant processes are evaluated and statistical sensitivity is quantified through weighted yield comparisons and significance estimates. The results highlight the importance of optimised selection strategies in enhancing sensitivity to subtle resonant structures in the diphoton channel, where the scalar decays into a photon pair accompanied by a muon or electron and a $S(\rightarrow \gamma \gamma) + 1 \ell$, and contribute to ongoing efforts within ATLAS to explore potential signals of new physics.

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Author

Baballo-Victor Ndhlovu (University of the Witwatersrand)

Co-authors

Prof. Bruce Mellado (Institute of High Energy Physics, Beijing, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19B Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, China) Chinedu Nnaji (Wits University) Dr Francesco Curcio (IFIC, U. Valencia) Karabo Mosala (University of the Witwatersrand) Kgothatso Ntumbe (Universitty of the Witwatersrand(ZA)) Dr Mukesh Kumar (University of the Witwatersrand) Njokweni Mbuyiswa (University of the Witwatersrand) Phuti Rapheeha (University of the Witwatersrand) Dr Sijing Zhang (Institute of High Energy Physics, Beijing, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19B Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, China) Thapelo Gerry Leboho (University of Witwatersrand) Vuyolwethu Happyboy Kakancu (University of the Witwatersrand)

Presentation materials