Beyond the Standard Model Phenomenology at Next-to-Leading Order at the LHC

Abstract

The methods by which modern event generators incorporate matrix elements accurate to next-to-leading order in the strong coupling for inclusive observables, as well as how such amplitudes are combined with the parton shower algorithms are overviewed and a novel implementation of both to Beyond-the-Standard-Model constructions for processes with non-coloured final states is presented.

This implementation is applied to Z' models inspired on E_6 grand unified theories as well as to supersymmetric scenarios involving pair production of the supersymmetric partners to the Standard Model leptons and gauge bosons/Higgs. Total cross sections are verified to be in agreement with results from pre-existing software packages and observables inclusive in jets are presented at novel NLO accuracy with local increases in cross section properly accounted for and scale variation reduced.

The modest increases in cross section and reduction in theoretical uncertainty make the use of the present implementation for searches at the Large Hadron Collider highly desirable.