Model-Independent and Quasi-Model-Independent Search for New Physics at CDF

Understand

Data collected in Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron are searched for indications of new electroweak scale physics.

• Rather than focusing on particular new physics scenarios, CDF data are analyzed for discrepancies with respect to the standard model prediction.
• A model-independent approach (Vista) considers the gross features of the data, and is sensitive to new large cross section physics.
• A quasi-model-independent approach (Sleuth) searches for a significant excess of events with large summed transverse momentum, and is particularly sensitive to new electroweak scale physics that appears predominantly in one final state.