Phenomenology of axion-like particles in colliders

Abstract

This research project proposes investigations into production signals of hypothetical scalar/pseudoscalar particles motivated by extensions of the Standard Model. In particular, we will carry out phenomenological analyzes in colliders on the so-called {\it axion-like particles} (ALPs), which are naturally light pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone bosons with masses that could be well below the GeV scale and even above a hundred GeV. Our focus will be on signals involving ALP couplings with photons and leptons, also considering couplings with lepton flavor violation. There are several possible new particle signals to be explored within the capabilities of the LHC. The group with which the candidate intends to work is composed of researchers from UFABC and a researcher from UNIFESP and has systematically developed projects involving both phenomenology and the construction of models motivated by open problems in the standard model, with ALPs and heavy scalars, as well. The candidate has a recent Ph.D. and has experience with particle phenomenology, especially in process simulations, which will be very useful in the proposed work. The project will allow the candidate to deepen their knowledge in the construction of models involving ALPs, heavy scalars, in the development of applications and machine learning, such as in the optimization of cuts for the calculation of particle production signals. This last point has also aroused great interest from researchers in the area of elementary particle physics.