Bonn 2010 – scientific programme
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T: Fachverband Teilchenphysik
T 49: Supersymmetrie II
T 49.2: Talk
Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 14:15–14:30, HG I
Absorbing systematic effects to obtain a better background model in a search for new physics — Sascha Caron1, Glen Cowan2, Eilam Gross3, •Stephan Horner1, Jan Erik Sundermann1, and Gregor Herten1 — 1Physikalisches Institut, Universitaet Freiburg — 2Royal Holloway, University of Londen — 3Weizmann Institute, Rehovot
This contribution discusses a novel approach to estimate the Standard Model backgrounds based on modifying Monte Carlo predictions within their systematic uncertainties. The improved background model is obtained by altering the original predictions with successively more complex correction functions in signal-free control selections. Statistical tests indicate when sufficient compatibility with data is reached. In this way, systematic effects are absorbed into the new background model. The same correction is then applied on the Monte Carlo prediction in the signal region. Comparing this method to other background estimation techniques shows improvements with respect to statistical and systematic uncertainties. The proposed method can also be applied in other fields beyond high energy physics.