ATLAS Bridging Application: Are Leptoquarks the Ultimate Answer?

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Although the Standard Model (SM) is an accurate description of the fundamental particle physics laws, it leaves many questions unanswered. These questions are related to the nature of dark matter, the lack of anti-matter in the universe, and the possible unification of the known forces. Addressing these mysteries requires merging our current understanding of seemingly disconnected theories into a single framework, known as the Theory of Everything (ToE). Most collider experiments have not yielded deviations from the SM, which would provide support of new models that lead to a ToE.******There is one prominent deviation from the SM seen in past and present experiments that has the potential to address unanswered questions. The SM states that the different families of leptons behave similarly. However, several measurements performed by the Belle, BaBar and LHCb experiments indicate that this might not be the case. There is a 1/15 000 probability that these results are due to a statistical fluctuation in the data. This suggests the possibility that new physics beyond the SM is responsible for these observations. ******The leading theoretical explanation is the existence of Leptoquarks. Leptoquarks are predicted by beyond SM theories which aim to unify our current knowledge into a single Theory of Everything. I propose to perform the first dedicated ATLAS search for Leptoquarks decaying to top quarks and tau leptons. The top and tau particles decay to various combinations of b-quarks, electrons/muons with neutrinos and lighter quarks. My work on many analyses containing these final states have provided me with unique expertise to perform this search.******In addition, I propose to work on upgrades to the ATLAS detector that are critical for the measurement of these final states. ATLAS will be upgraded in 2019 in order to keep up with increasingly demanding Large Hadron Collider (LHC) operating conditions. The upgrades include the addition of a tracking system (Fast TracKer - FTK), improvements to the electromagnetic calorimeter, and additional muon chambers, called the New Small Wheel (NSW). Having worked on the FTK, I have plans on how to improve b-quark and tau lepton measurements. I further propose to focus on the electron and muon improvements by installing and commissioning a readout system, called FELIX, for the electromagnetic calorimeter and NSW. As one of the experts in the installation and integration of complicated electronics systems into ATLAS, I can ensure the successful installation of the FELIX readout. This FELIX project is complimentary to Canadian ATLAS hardware projects, since it will be used to readout the electromagnetic calorimeter, NSW and Inner TracKer (ITK), all of which are large scale Canadian efforts.*****