Search

A search for dark matter (DM) particles is performed using events with a Higgs boson candidate and large missing transverse momentum. The analysis is based on proton- proton collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC in 2016, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb−1. The search is performed in five Higgs boson decay channels: h → b b ¯ , γγ, τ+τ−, W+W−, and ZZ. The results from the individual channels are combined to maximize the sensitivity of the analysis. No significant excess over the expected standard model background is observed in any of the five channels or in their combination. Limits are set on DM production in the context of two simplified models. The results are also interpreted in terms of a spin-independent DM-nucleon scattering cross section and compared to those from direct-detection DM experiments. This is the first search for DM particles produced in association with a Higgs boson decaying to a pair of W or Z bosons, and the first statistical combination based on five Higgs boson decay channels.

A search is presented for $${\uptau }_{}^{}$$ τ slepton pairs produced in proton–proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13$$\,\text {TeV}$$ TeV . The search is carried out in events containing two $${\uptau }_{}^{}$$ τ leptons in the final state, on the assumption that each $${\uptau }_{}^{}$$ τ slepton decays primarily to a $${\uptau }_{}^{}$$ τ lepton and a neutralino. Events are considered in which each $${\uptau }_{}^{}$$ τ lepton decays to one or more hadrons and a neutrino, or in which one of the $${\uptau }_{}^{}$$ τ leptons decays instead to an electron or a muon and two neutrinos. The data, collected with the CMS detector in 2016 and 2017, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 77.2$$\,\text {fb}^{-1}$$ fb-1 . The observed data are consistent with the standard model background expectation. The results are used to set 95% confidence level upper limits on the cross section for $${\uptau }_{}^{}$$ τ slepton pair production in various models for $${\uptau }_{}^{}$$ τ slepton masses between 90 and 200$$\,\text {GeV}$$ GeV and neutralino masses of 1, 10, and 20$$\,\text {GeV}$$ GeV . In the case of purely left-handed $${\uptau }_{}^{}$$ τ slepton production and decay to a $${\uptau }_{}^{}$$ τ lepton and a neutralino with a mass of 1$$\,\text {GeV}$$ GeV , the strongest limit is obtained for a $${\uptau }_{}^{}$$ τ slepton mass of 125$$\,\text {GeV}$$ GeV at a factor of 1.14 larger than the theoretical cross section.

The cross section of top quark pair production is measured in the tt¯→(ℓνℓ)(τhντ)bb¯ final state, where τh refers to the hadronic decays of the τ lepton, and ℓ is either an electron or a muon. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb−1 collected in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV with the CMS detector. The measured cross section is σt t ¯ = 781 ± 7 (stat) ± 62 (syst) ± 20 (lumi) pb, and the ratio of the partial width Γ(t → τντb) to the total decay width of the top quark is measured to be 0.1050 ± 0.0009 (stat) ± 0.0071 (syst). This is the first measurement of the t t ¯ production cross section in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV that explicitly includes τ leptons. The ratio of the cross sections in the ℓτh and ℓℓ final states yields a value Rℓτh/ll = 0.973 ± 0.009 (stat) ± 0.066 (syst), consistent with lepton universality.

The transverse momentum (pT) spectra of inclusively produced Λc + baryons are measured via the exclusive decay channel Λc +→pK−π+ using the CMS detector at the LHC. Spectra are measured as a function of transverse momentum in proton-proton (pp) and lead-lead (PbPb) collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV. The measurement is performed within the Λc + rapidity interval |y|<1 in the pT range of 5–20GeV/c in pp and 10–20GeV/c in PbPb collisions. The observed yields of Λc + for pT of 10–20GeV/c suggest a suppression in central PbPb collisions compared to pp collisions scaled by the number of nucleon-nucleon (NN) interactions. The Λc +/D0 production ratio in pp collisions is compared to theoretical models. In PbPb collisions, this ratio is consistent with the result from pp collisions in their common pT range.

The running of the top quark mass is experimentally investigated for the first time. The mass of the top quark in the modified minimal subtraction (MS‾) renormalization scheme is extracted from a comparison of the differential top quark-antiquark (tt¯) cross section as a function of the invariant mass of the tt¯ system to next-to-leading-order theoretical predictions. The differential cross section is determined at the parton level by means of a maximum-likelihood fit to distributions of final-state observables. The analysis is performed using tt¯ candidate events in the e± μ∓ channel in proton-proton collision data at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV recorded by the CMS detector at the CERN LHC in 2016, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb−1. The extracted running is found to be compatible with the scale dependence predicted by the corresponding renormalization group equation. In this analysis, the running is probed up to a scale of the order of 1 TeV.

A search for pair production of the supersymmetric partner of the top quark, the top squark, in proton-proton collision events at s $$ \sqrt{s} $$ = 13 TeV is presented in a final state containing hadronically decaying tau leptons and large missing transverse momentum. This final state is highly sensitive to high-tan β or higgsino-like scenarios in which decays of electroweak gauginos to tau leptons are dominant. The search uses a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 77.2 fb −1, which was recorded with the CMS detector during 2016 and 2017. No significant excess is observed with respect to the background prediction. Exclusion limits at 95% confidence level are presented in the top squark and lightest neutralino mass plane within the framework of simplified models, in which top squark masses up to 1100 GeV are excluded for a nearly massless neutralino.

A measurement is presented of electroweak (EW) production of a W boson in association with two jets in proton–proton collisions at s=13Te. The data sample was recorded by the CMS Collaboration at the LHC and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb-1. The measurement is performed for the ℓνjj final state (with ℓν indicating a lepton–neutrino pair, and j representing the quarks produced in the hard interaction) in a kinematic region defined by invariant mass mjj>120Ge and transverse momenta pTj>25Ge. The cross section of the process is measured in the electron and muon channels yielding σEW(Wjj)=6.23±0.12(stat)±0.61(syst)pb per channel, in agreement with leading-order standard model predictions. The additional hadronic activity of events in a signal-enriched region is studied, and the measurements are compared with predictions. The final state is also used to perform a search for anomalous trilinear gauge couplings. Limits on anomalous trilinear gauge couplings associated with dimension-six operators are given in the framework of an effective field theory. The corresponding 95% confidence level intervals are -2.3

Evidence is presented for the electroweak (EW) production of two jets (jj) in association with two Z bosons and constraints on anomalous quartic gauge couplings are set. The analysis is based on a data sample of proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV collected with the CMS detector in 2016–2018, and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137fb−1. The search is performed in the fully leptonic final state ZZ→ℓℓℓ′ℓ′, where ℓ,ℓ′=e,μ. The EW production of two jets in association with two Z bosons is measured with an observed (expected) significance of 4.0 (3.5) standard deviations. The cross sections for the EW production are measured in three fiducial volumes and the result is σEW(pp→ZZjj→ℓℓℓ′ℓ′jj)=0.33−0.10+0.11(stat)−0.03+0.04(syst)fb in the most inclusive volume, in agreement with the standard model prediction of 0.275±0.021fb. Measurements of total cross sections for jj production in association with two Z bosons are also reported. Limits on anomalous quartic gauge couplings are derived in terms of the effective field theory operators T0, T1, T2, T8, and T9.

Machine-learning (ML) techniques are explored to identify and classify hadronic decays of highly Lorentz-boosted W/Z/Higgs bosons and top quarks. Techniques without ML have also been evaluated and are included for comparison. The identification performances of a variety of algorithms are characterized in simulated events and directly compared with data. The algorithms are validated using proton-proton collision data at s = 13TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb-1. Systematic uncertainties are assessed by comparing the results obtained using simulation and collision data. The new techniques studied in this paper provide significant performance improvements over non-ML techniques, reducing the background rate by up to an order of magnitude at the same signal efficiency.

The transverse energy (ETγ) spectra of photons isolated from other particles are measured using proton-proton (pp) and lead-lead (PbPb) collisions at the LHC at sNN = 5.02 TeV with integrated luminosities of 27.4 pb−1 and 404 μb−1 for pp and PbPb data, respectively. The results are presented for photons with 25

The momentum-weighted sum of the electric charges of particles inside a jet, known as jet charge, is sensitive to the electric charge of the particle initiating the parton shower. This paper presents jet charge distributions in s NN $$ \sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} $$ = 5.02 TeV lead-lead (PbPb) and proton-proton (pp) collisions recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC. These data correspond to integrated luminosities of 404 μb −1 and 27.4 pb −1 for PbPb and pp collisions, respectively. Leveraging the sensitivity of the jet charge to fundamental differences in the electric charges of quarks and gluons, the jet charge distributions from simulated events are used as templates to extract the quark- and gluon-like jet fractions from data. The modification of these jet fractions is examined by comparing pp and PbPb data as a function of the overlap of the colliding Pb nuclei (centrality). This measurement tests the color charge dependence of jet energy loss due to interactions with the quark-gluon plasma. No significant modification between different centrality classes and with respect to pp results is observed in the extracted quark- and gluon-like jet fractions.

The first direct, model-independent measurement is presented of the modulus of the Cabibbo–Kobayashi–Maskawa (CKM) matrix elements |η|Vtb, |η|Vtd, and |η|Vts, in final states enriched in single top quark t-channel events. The analysis uses proton-proton collision data from the LHC, collected during 2016 by the CMS experiment, at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb$^{−1}$. Processes directly sensitive to these matrix elements are considered at both the production and decay vertices of the top quark. In the standard model hypothesis of CKM unitarity, a lower limit of |η|Vtb>0.970 is measured at the 95% confidence level. Several theories beyond the standard model are considered, and by releasing all constraints among the involved parameters, the values |η|Vtb=0.988±0.024, and |η|Vtd2+|η|Vts2=0.06±0.06, where the uncertainties include both statistical and systematic components, are measured.

The parton-level top quark (t) forward-backward asymmetry and the anomalous chromoelectric (d̂ t) and chromomagnetic (μ̂ t) moments have been measured using LHC pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, collected in the CMS detector in a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb−1. The linearized variable AFB(1) is used to approximate the asymmetry. Candidate t t ¯ events decaying to a muon or electron and jets in final states with low and high Lorentz boosts are selected and reconstructed using a fit of the kinematic distributions of the decay products to those expected for t t ¯ final states. The values found for the parameters are AFB(1)=0.048−0.087+0.095(stat)−0.029+0.020(syst),μ̂t=−0.024−0.009+0.013(stat)−0.011+0.016(syst), and a limit is placed on the magnitude of | d̂ t| < 0.03 at 95% confidence level.

Methods are presented for calibrating the hadron calorimeter system of the CMS detector at the LHC. The hadron calorimeters of the CMS experiment are sampling calorimeters of brass and scintillator, and are in the form of one central detector and two endcaps. These calorimeters cover pseudorapidities |η| < 3 and are positioned inside the solenoidal magnet. An outer calorimeter, outside the magnet coil, covers |η| < 1.26, and a steel and quartz-fiber Cherenkov forward calorimeter extends the coverage to |η| < 5.19. The initial calibration of the calorimeters was based on results from test beams, augmented with the use of radioactive sources and lasers. The calibration was improved substantially using proton-proton collision data collected at s = 7, 8, and 13 TeV, as well as cosmic ray muon data collected during the periods when the LHC beams were not present. The present calibration is performed using the 13 TeV data collected during 2016 corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb-1. The intercalibration of channels exploits the approximate uniformity of energy collection over the azimuthal angle. The absolute energy scale of the central and endcap calorimeters is set using isolated charged hadrons. The energy scale for the electromagnetic portion of the forward calorimeters is set using Z→ ee data. The energy scale of the outer calorimeters has been determined with test beam data and is confirmed through data with high transverse momentum jets. In this paper, we present the details of the calibration methods and accuracy.

Twelve measurements of inclusive cross sections of W± and Z boson production, performed in proton-proton collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, are compared with perturbative quantum chromodynamics calculations at next-to-next- to-leading order (NNLO) accuracy obtained with the CT14, HERAPDF2.0, MMHT14, and NNPDF3.0 parton distribution functions (PDFs). Data and theory agree well for all PDF sets, taking into account the experimental and theoretical uncertainties. A novel procedure is employed to extract the strong coupling constant at the Z pole mass from a detailed comparison of all the experimental fiducial cross sections to the corresponding NNLO theoretical predictions, yielding αS(mZ)=0.1163−0.0031+0.0024 (CT14), 0.1072−0.0040+0.0043 (HERAPDF2.0), 0.1186 ± 0.0025 (MMHT14), and 0.1147 ± 0.0023 (NNPDF3.0). Using the results obtained with the CT14 and MMHT14 PDFs, which yield the most robust and stable αS(mZ) extractions, a value αS(mZ)=0.1175−0.0028+0.0025 is determined.

A search is presented for additional scalar (H) or pseudoscalar (A) Higgs bosons decaying to a top quark pair in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The data set analyzed corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb−1 collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC. Final states with one or two charged leptons are considered. The invariant mass of the reconstructed top quark pair system and variables that are sensitive to the spin of the particles decaying into the top quark pair are used to search for signatures of the H or A bosons. The interference with the standard model top quark pair background is taken into account. A moderate signal-like deviation compatible with an A boson with a mass of 400 GeV is observed with a global significance of 1.9 standard deviations. New stringent constraints are reported on the strength of the coupling of the hypothetical bosons to the top quark, with the mass of the bosons ranging from 400 to 750 GeV and their total relative width from 0.5 to 25%. The results of the search are also interpreted in a minimal supersymmetric standard model scenario. Values of mA from 400 to 700 GeV are probed, and a region with values of tan β below 1.0 to 1.5, depending on mA, is excluded at 95% confidence level.

A measurement is presented of the cross section for electroweak production of a Z boson and a photon in association with two jets (Zγjj) in proton-proton collisions. The Z boson candidates are selected through their decay into a pair of electrons or muons. The process of interest, electroweak Zγjj production, is isolated by selecting events with a large dijet mass and a large pseudorapidity gap between the two jets. The measurement is based on data collected at the CMS experiment at s = 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb−1. The observed significance of the signal is 3.9 standard deviations, where a significance of 5.2 standard deviations is expected in the standard model. These results are combined with published results by CMS at s = 8 TeV, which leads to observed and expected respective significances of 4.7 and 5.5 standard deviations. From the 13 TeV data, a value is obtained for the signal strength of electroweak Zγjj production and bounds are given on quartic vector boson interactions in the framework of dimension-eight effective field theory operators.

Measurements of the cross section for the production of top quark pairs in association with a pair of jets from bottom quarks (σtt ¯bb ¯) and in association with a pair of jets from quarks of any flavor or gluons (σtt ¯jj) and their ratio are presented. The data were collected in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV by the CMS experiment at the LHC in 2016 and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb−1. The measurements are performed in a fiducial phase space and extrapolated to the full phase space, separately for the dilepton and lepton+jets channels, where lepton corresponds to either an electron or a muon. The results of the measurements in the fiducial phase space for the dilepton and lepton+jets channels, respectively, are σtt ¯jj = 2.36±0.02 (stat)±0.20 (syst) pb and 31.0±0.2 (stat)±2.9 (syst) pb, and for the cross section ratio 0.017 ± 0.001 (stat) ± 0.001 (syst) and 0.020 ± 0.001 (stat) ± 0.001 (syst). The values of σtt ¯bb ¯ are determined from the product of the σtt ¯jj and the cross section ratio, obtaining, respectively, 0.040±0.002 (stat)±0.005 (syst) pb and 0.62±0.03 (stat)±0.07 (syst) pb. These measurements are the most precise to date and are consistent, within the uncertainties, with the standard model expectations obtained using a matrix element calculation at next-to-leading order in quantum chromodynamics matched to a parton shower.

The fiducial cross section for Y(1S) pair production in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV in the region where both Y(1S) mesons have an absolute rapidity below 2.0 is measured to be 79±11(stat)±6(syst)±3(B) pb assuming the mesons are produced unpolarized. The last uncertainty corresponds to the uncertainty in the Y(1S) meson dimuon branching fraction. The measurement is performed in the final state with four muons using proton-proton collision data collected in 2016 by the CMS experiment at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb−1. This process serves as a standard model reference in a search for narrow resonances decaying to Y(1S)μ+μ− in the same final state. Such a resonance could indicate the existence of a tetraquark that is a bound state of two b quarks and two b¯ antiquarks. The tetraquark search is performed for masses in the vicinity of four times the bottom quark mass, between 17.5 and 19.5 GeV, while a generic search for other resonances is performed for masses between 16.5 and 27 GeV. No significant excess of events compatible with a narrow resonance is observed in the data. Limits on the production cross section times branching fraction to four muons via an intermediate Y(1S) resonance are set as a function of the resonance mass.

Results are reported for the Bs0→ μ+μ− branching fraction and effective lifetime and from a search for the decay B0→ μ+μ−. The analysis uses a data sample of proton-proton collisions accumulated by the CMS experiment in 2011, 2012, and 2016, with center-of-mass energies (integrated luminosities) of 7 TeV (5 fb−1), 8 TeV (20 fb−1), and 13 TeV (36 fb−1). The branching fractions are determined by measuring event yields relative to B+→ J/ψK+ decays (with J/ψ → μ+μ−), which results in the reduction of many of the systematic uncertainties. The decay Bs0→ μ+μ− is observed with a significance of 5.6 standard deviations. The branching fraction is measured to be ℬ(Bs0→μ+μ−)=[2.9±0.7(exp)±0.2(frag)]×10−9, where the first uncertainty combines the experimental statistical and systematic contributions, and the second is due to the uncertainty in the ratio of the Bs0 and the B+ fragmentation functions. No significant excess is observed for the decay B0→ μ+μ−, and an upper limit of ℬ(B0 → μ+μ−) < 3.6 × 10−10 is obtained at 95% confidence level. The Bs0→ μ+μ− effective lifetime is measured to be τμ+μ−=1.70−0.44+0.61 ps. These results are consistent with standard model predictions.

Results are presented from a search for events containing an excited lepton (electron or muon) produced in association with an ordinary lepton of the same flavor and decaying to a lepton and two hadronic jets. Both the production and the decay of the excited leptons are assumed to occur via a contact interaction with a characteristic energy scale Λ. The branching fraction for the decay mode under study increases with the mass of the excited lepton and is the most sensitive channel for very heavy excited leptons. The analysis uses a sample of proton-proton collisions collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC at s = 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 77.4 fb−1. The four-body invariant mass of the two lepton plus two jet system is used as the primary discriminating variable. No significant excess of events beyond the expectation for standard model processes is observed. Assuming that Λ is equal to the mass of the excited leptons, excited electrons and muons with masses below 5.6 and 5.7 TeV, respectively, are excluded at 95% confidence level.

A first observation is presented for the electroweak production of a W boson, a photon, and two jets in proton-proton collisions. The W boson decays are selected by requiring one identified electron or muon and an imbalance in transverse momentum. The two jets are required to have a high dijet mass and a large separation in pseudorapidity. The measurement is based on data collected with the CMS detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb−1. The observed (expected) significance for this process is 4.9 (4.6) standard deviations. After combining with previously reported CMS results at 8 TeV, the observed (expected) significance is 5.3 (4.8) standard deviations. The cross section for the electroweak Wγjj production in a restricted fiducial region is measured as 20.4±4.5fb and the total cross section for Wγ production in association with 2 jets in the same fiducial region is 108±16fb. All results are in good agreement with recent theoretical predictions. Constraints are placed on anomalous quartic gauge couplings in terms of dimension-8 effective field theory operators.

A study of the production of prompt J/ψ mesons contained in jets in proton-proton collisions at s=8TeV is presented. The analysis is based on data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.1 fb$^{−1}$ collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. For events with at least one observed jet, the angular separation between the J/ψ meson and the jet is used to test whether the J/ψ meson is part of the jet. The analysis shows that most prompt J/ψ mesons having energy above 15 GeV and rapidity |y|<1 are contained in jets with pseudorapidity |ηjet|<1. The differential distributions of the probability to have a J/ψ meson contained in a jet as a function of jet energy for a fixed J/ψ energy fraction are compared to a theoretical model using the fragmenting jet function approach. The data agree best with fragmenting jet function calculations that use a long-distance matrix element parameter set in which prompt J/ψ mesons are predicted to be unpolarized. This technique demonstrates a new way to test predictions for prompt J/ψ production using nonrelativistic quantum chromodynamics.

A search for lepton flavour violating decays of a neutral non-standard-model Higgs boson in the μτ and eτ decay modes is presented. The search is based on proton-proton collisions at a center of mass energy s = 13 TeV collected with the CMS detector in 2016, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb−1. The τ leptons are reconstructed in the leptonic and hadronic decay modes. No signal is observed in the mass range 200–900 GeV. At 95% confidence level, the observed (expected) upper limits on the production cross section multiplied by the branching fraction vary from 51.9 (57.4) fb to 1.6 (2.1) fb for the μτ and from 94.1 (91.6) fb to 2.3 (2.3) fb for the eτ decay modes. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. © 2020, The Author(s).

A measurement of the inclusive cross section of top quark pair production in association with a Z boson using proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV at the LHC is performed. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 77.5 fb−1, collected by the CMS experiment during 2016 and 2017. The measurement is performed using final states containing three or four charged leptons (electrons or muons), and the Z boson is detected through its decay to an oppositely charged lepton pair. The production cross section is measured to be σ(t t ¯ Z) = 0.95 ± 0.05 (stat) ± 0.06 (syst) pb. For the first time, differential cross sections are measured as functions of the transverse momentum of the Z boson and the angular distribution of the negatively charged lepton from the Z boson decay. The most stringent direct limits to date on the anomalous couplings of the top quark to the Z boson are presented, including constraints on the Wilson coefficients in the framework of the standard model effective field theory. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2020, The Author(s).

A search is performed for a pseudoscalar Higgs boson, A, decaying into a 125 GeV Higgs boson h and a Z boson. The h boson is specifically targeted in its decay into a pair of tau leptons, while the Z boson decays into a pair of electrons or muons. A data sample of proton-proton collisions collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC at s = 13 TeV is used, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb−1. No excess above the standard model background expectations is observed in data. A model-independent upper limit is set on the product of the gluon fusion production cross section for the A boson and the branching fraction to Zh → ℓℓττ. The observed upper limit at 95% confidence level ranges from 27 to 5 fb for A boson masses from 220 to 400 GeV, respectively. The results are used to constrain the extended Higgs sector parameters for two benchmark scenarios of the minimal supersymmetric standard model. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2020, The Author(s).

A direct search for the standard model Higgs boson, H, produced in association with a vector boson, V (W or Z), and decaying to a charm quark pair is presented. The search uses a data set of proton-proton collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb −1, collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC in 2016, at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The search is carried out in mutually exclusive channels targeting specific decays of the vector bosons: W → ℓν, Z → ℓℓ, and Z → νν, where ℓ is an electron or a muon. To fully exploit the topology of the H boson decay, two strategies are followed. In the first one, targeting lower vector boson transverse momentum, the H boson candidate is reconstructed via two resolved jets arising from the two charm quarks from the H boson decay. A second strategy identifies the case where the two charm quark jets from the H boson decay merge to form a single jet, which generally only occurs when the vector boson has higher transverse momentum. Both strategies make use of novel methods for charm jet identification, while jet substructure techniques are also exploited to suppress the background in the merged-jet topology. The two analyses are combined to yield a 95% confidence level observed (expected) upper limit on the cross section σ VH ℬ H → c c ¯ $$ \sigma \left(\mathrm{VH}\right)\mathrm{\mathcal{B}}\left(\mathrm{H}\to \mathrm{c}\overline{\mathrm{c}}\right) $$ of 4.5 2.4 − 0.7 + 1.0 $$ \left({2.4}_{-0.7}^{+1.0}\right) $$ pb, corresponding to 70 (37) times the standard model prediction.

Normalised multi-differential cross sections for top quark pair (t t ¯) production are measured in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13TeV using events containing two oppositely charged leptons. The analysed data were recorded with the CMS detector in 2016 and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb-1. The double-differential t t ¯ cross section is measured as a function of the kinematic properties of the top quark and of the t t ¯ system at parton level in the full phase space. A triple-differential measurement is performed as a function of the invariant mass and rapidity of the t t ¯ system and the multiplicity of additional jets at particle level. The data are compared to predictions of Monte Carlo event generators that complement next-to-leading-order (NLO) quantum chromodynamics (QCD) calculations with parton showers. Together with a fixed-order NLO QCD calculation, the triple-differential measurement is used to extract values of the strong coupling strength αS and the top quark pole mass (mtpole) using several sets of parton distribution functions (PDFs). The measurement of mtpole exploits the sensitivity of the t t ¯ invariant mass distribution to mtpole near the production threshold. Furthermore, a simultaneous fit of the PDFs, αS, and mtpole is performed at NLO, demonstrating that the new data have significant impact on the gluon PDF, and at the same time allow an accurate determination of αS and mtpole. The values αS(mZ)=0.1135-0.0017+0.0021 and mtpole=170.5±0.8GeV are extracted, which account for experimental and theoretical uncertainties, the latter being estimated from NLO scale variations. Possible effects from Coulomb and soft-gluon resummation near the t t ¯ production threshold are neglected in these parameter extractions. A rough estimate of these effects indicates an expected correction of mtpole of the order of +1GeV, which can be regarded as additional theoretical uncertainty in the current mtpole extraction.

The standard model (SM) production of four top quarks (t t ¯ t t ¯) in proton–proton collisions is studied by the CMS Collaboration. The data sample, collected during the 2016–2018 data taking of the LHC, corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 137fb-1 at a center-of-mass energy of 13TeV. The events are required to contain two same-sign charged leptons (electrons or muons) or at least three leptons, and jets. The observed and expected significances for the t t ¯ t t ¯ signal are respectively 2.6 and 2.7 standard deviations, and the t t ¯ t t ¯ cross section is measured to be 12.6-5.2+5.8fb. The results are used to constrain the Yukawa coupling of the top quark to the Higgs boson, yt, yielding a limit of |yt/ytSM|<1.7 at 95 % confidence level, where ytSM is the SM value of yt. They are also used to constrain the oblique parameter of the Higgs boson in an effective field theory framework, H^ < 0.12. Limits are set on the production of a heavy scalar or pseudoscalar boson in Type-II two-Higgs-doublet and simplified dark matter models, with exclusion limits reaching 350–470GeV and 350–550GeV for scalar and pseudoscalar bosons, respectively. Upper bounds are also set on couplings of the top quark to new light particles.

The first observation is reported of the combined production of three massive gauge bosons (VVV with V=W, Z) in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The analysis is based on a data sample recorded by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137 fb−1. The searches for individual WWW, WWZ, WZZ, and ZZZ production are performed in final states with three, four, five, and six leptons (electrons or muons), or with two same-sign leptons plus one or two jets. The observed (expected) significance of the combined VVV production signal is 5.7 (5.9) standard deviations and the corresponding measured cross section relative to the standard model prediction is 1.02−0.23+0.26. The significances of the individual WWW and WWZ production are 3.3 and 3.4 standard deviations, respectively. Measured production cross sections for the individual triboson processes are also reported.

A search for new physics in events with two highly Lorentz-boosted Z bosons and large missing transverse momentum is presented. The analyzed proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137 fb−1, were recorded at s = 13 TeV by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC. The search utilizes the substructure of jets with large radius to identify quark pairs from Z boson decays. Backgrounds from standard model processes are suppressed by requirements on the jet mass and the missing transverse momentum. No significant excess in the event yield is observed beyond the number of background events expected from the standard model. For a simplified supersymmetric model in which the Z bosons arise from the decay of gluinos, an exclusion limit of 1920 GeV on the gluino mass is set at 95% confidence level. This is the first search for beyond-standard-model production of pairs of boosted Z bosons plus large missing transverse momentum.

A template fitting technique for reconstructing the amplitude of signals produced by the lead tungstate crystals of the CMS electromagnetic calorimeter is described. This novel approach is designed to suppress the contribution to the signal of the increased number of out-of-time interactions per beam crossing following the reduction of the accelerator bunch spacing from 50 to 25 ns at the start of Run 2 of the LHC. Execution of the algorithm is sufficiently fast for it to be employed in the CMS high-level trigger. It is also used in the offline event reconstruction. Results obtained from simulations and from Run 2 collision data (2015–2018) demonstrate a substantial improvement in the energy resolution of the calorimeter over a range of energies extending from a few GeV to several tens of GeV.

A search for charged Higgs bosons (H±) decaying into a top and a bottom quark in the all-jet final state is presented. The analysis uses LHC proton-proton collision data recorded with the CMS detector in 2016 at s = 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb−1. No significant excess is observed above the expected background. Model-independent upper limits at 95% confidence level are set on the product of the H± production cross section and branching fraction in two scenarios. For production in association with a top quark, limits of 21.3 to 0.007 pb are obtained for H± masses in the range of 0.2 to 3 TeV. Combining this with a search in leptonic final states results in improved limits of 9.25 to 0.005 pb. The complementary s-channel production of an H± is investigated in the mass range of 0.8 to 3 TeV and the corresponding upper limits are 4.5 to 0.023 pb. These results are interpreted using different minimal supersymmetric extensions of the standard model.

Measurements are presented of the reduction of signal output due to radiation damage for two types of plastic scintillator tiles used in the hadron endcap (HE) calorimeter of the CMS detector. The tiles were exposed to particles produced in proton-proton (pp) collisions at the CERN LHC with a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to a delivered luminosity of 50 fb-1. The measurements are based on readout channels of the HE that were instrumented with silicon photomultipliers, and are derived using data from several sources: A laser calibration system, a movable radioactive source, as well as hadrons and muons produced in pp collisions. Results from several irradiation campaigns using 60Co sources are also discussed. The damage is presented as a function of dose rate. Within the range of these measurements, for a fixed dose the damage increases with decreasing dose rate.

A data sample of events from proton-proton collisions with at least two jets, and two isolated same-sign or three or more charged leptons, is studied in a search for signatures of new physics phenomena. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of $$137{\,{\text {fb}}^{-1}} $$ 137fb-1 at a center-of-mass energy of $$13\,{\text {TeV}} $$ 13TeV , collected in 2016–2018 by the CMS experiment at the LHC. The search is performed using a total of 168 signal regions defined using several kinematic variables. The properties of the events are found to be consistent with the expectations from standard model processes. Exclusion limits at 95% confidence level are set on cross sections for the pair production of gluinos or squarks for various decay scenarios in the context of supersymmetric models conserving or violating R parity. The observed lower mass limits are as large as $$2.1\,{\text {TeV}} $$ 2.1TeV for gluinos and $$0.9\,{\text {TeV}} $$ 0.9TeV for top and bottom squarks. To facilitate reinterpretations, model-independent limits are provided in a set of simplified signal regions.

A search for direct top squark pair production is presented. The search is based on proton-proton collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV recorded by the CMS experiment at the LHC during 2016, 2017, and 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137 fb−1. The search is carried out using events with a single isolated electron or muon, multiple jets, and large transverse momentum imbalance. The observed data are consistent with the expectations from standard model processes. Exclusions are set in the context of simplified top squark pair production models. Depending on the model, exclusion limits at 95% confidence level for top squark masses up to 1.2 TeV are set for a massless lightest supersymmetric particle, assumed to be the neutralino. For models with top squark masses of 1 TeV, neutralino masses up to 600 GeV are excluded.

A search for narrow and broad resonances with masses greater than 1.8 TeV decaying to a pair of jets is presented. The search uses proton-proton collision data at s = 13 TeV collected at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137 fb−1. The background arising from standard model processes is predicted with the fit method used in previous publications and with a new method. The dijet invariant mass spectrum is well described by both data-driven methods, and no significant evidence for the production of new particles is observed. Model independent upper limits are reported on the production cross sections of narrow resonances, and broad resonances with widths up to 55% of the resonance mass. Limits are presented on the masses of narrow resonances from various models: string resonances, scalar diquarks, axigluons, colorons, excited quarks, color-octet scalars, W′ and Z′ bosons, Randall-Sundrum gravitons, and dark matter mediators. The limits on narrow resonances are improved by 200 to 800 GeV relative to those reported in previous CMS dijet resonance searches. The limits on dark matter mediators are presented as a function of the resonance mass and width, and on the associated coupling strength as a function of the mediator mass. These limits exclude at 95% confidence level a dark matter mediator with a mass of 1.8 TeV and width 1% of its mass or higher, up to one with a mass of 4.8 TeV and a width 45% of its mass or higher.

A measurement of the mass of the Higgs boson in the diphoton decay channel is presented. This analysis is based on 35.9fb−1 of proton-proton collision data collected during the 2016 LHC running period, with the CMS detector at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. A refined detector calibration and new analysis techniques have been used to improve the precision of this measurement. The Higgs boson mass is measured to be mH=125.78±0.26GeV. This is combined with a measurement of mH already performed in the H→ZZ→4ℓ decay channel using the same data set, giving mH=125.46±0.16GeV. This result, when further combined with an earlier measurement of mH using data collected in 2011 and 2012 with the CMS detector, gives a value for the Higgs boson mass of mH=125.38±0.14GeV. This is currently the most precise measurement of the mass of the Higgs boson.

A search for physics beyond the standard model in events with at least three charged leptons (electrons or muons) is presented. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 137 fb−1 of proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV, collected with the CMS detector at the LHC in 2016–2018. The two targeted signal processes are pair production of type-III seesaw heavy fermions and production of a light scalar or pseudoscalar boson in association with a pair of top quarks. The heavy fermions may be manifested as an excess of events with large values of leptonic transverse momenta or missing transverse momentum. The light scalars or pseudoscalars may create a localized excess in the dilepton mass spectra. The results exclude heavy fermions of the type-III seesaw model for masses below 880 GeV at 95% confidence level in the scenario of equal branching fractions to each lepton flavor. This is the most restrictive limit on the flavor-democratic scenario of the type-III seesaw model to date. Assuming a Yukawa coupling of unit strength to top quarks, branching fractions of new scalar (pseudoscalar) bosons to dielectrons or dimuons above 0.004 (0.03) and 0.04 (0.03) are excluded at 95% confidence level for masses in the range 15–75 and 108–340 GeV, respectively. These are the first limits in these channels on an extension of the standard model with scalar or pseudoscalar particles. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2020, The Author(s).

Results are reported from a search for new physics beyond the standard model in proton-proton collisions in final states with a single lepton; multiple jets, including at least one jet tagged as originating from the hadronization of a bottom quark; and large missing transverse momentum. The search uses a sample of proton-proton collision data at s=13 TeV, corresponding to 137 fb−1, recorded by the CMS experiment at the LHC. The signal region is divided into categories characterized by the total number of jets, the number of bottom quark jets, the missing transverse momentum, and the sum of masses of large-radius jets. The observed event yields in the signal regions are consistent with estimates of standard model backgrounds based on event yields in the control regions. The results are interpreted in the context of simplified models of supersymmetry involving gluino pair production in which each gluino decays into a top quark-antiquark pair and a stable, unobserved neutralino, which generates missing transverse momentum in the event. Scenarios with gluino masses up to about 2150 GeV are excluded at 95% confidence level (or more) for neutralino masses up to 700 GeV. The highest excluded neutralino mass is about 1250 GeV, which holds for gluino masses around 1850 GeV.

Bose-Einstein correlations of charged hadrons are measured over a broad multiplicity range, from a few particles up to about 250 reconstructed charged hadrons in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV. The results are based on data collected using the CMS detector at the LHC during runs with a special low-pileup configuration. Three analysis techniques with different degrees of dependence on simulations are used to remove the non-Bose-Einstein background from the correlation functions. All three methods give consistent results. The measured lengths of homogeneity are studied as functions of particle multiplicity as well as average pair transverse momentum and mass. The results are compared with data from both CMS and ATLAS at s = 7 TeV, as well as with theoretical predictions.

A search for WW production from double-parton scattering processes using same-charge electron-muon and dimuon events is reported, based on proton-proton collision data collected at a center-of-mass energy of 13TeV. The analyzed data set corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 77.4fb-1, collected using the CMS detector at the LHC in 2016 and 2017. Multivariate classifiers are used to discriminate between the signal and the dominant background processes. A maximum likelihood fit is performed to extract the signal cross section. This leads to the first evidence for WW production via double-parton scattering, with a significance of 3.9 standard deviations. The measured inclusive cross section is 1.41±0.28(stat)±0.28(syst)pb.

A search is presented for a charged Higgs boson heavier than the top quark, produced in association with a top quark, or with a top and a bottom quark, and decaying into a top-bottom quark-antiquark pair. The search is performed using proton-proton collision data collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb−1. Events are selected by the presence of a single isolated charged lepton (electron or muon) or an opposite-sign dilepton (electron or muon) pair, categorized according to the jet multiplicity and the number of jets identified as originating from b quarks. Multivariate analysis techniques are used to enhance the discrimination between signal and background in each category. The data are compatible with the standard model, and 95% confidence level upper limits of 9.6–0.01 pb are set on the charged Higgs boson production cross section times branching fraction to a top-bottom quark-antiquark pair, for charged Higgs boson mass hypotheses ranging from 200 GeV to 3 TeV. The upper limits are interpreted in different minimal supersymmetric extensions of the standard model. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

An original method for validation of the number of buckets on the working device of a bucket wheel excavator based on the dynamic response of its slewing superstructure (SS) is presented. A set of 16 seemingly acceptable solutions which satisfied the rigid design restrictions, based on the preservation of the existing (a) bucket wheel drivetrain, (b) theoretical capacity, (c) characteristics of the excavated soil and (d) position of the superstructure centre of gravity (CoG), was analysed. Already on the basis of the limiting vertical and lateral accelerations of the bucket wheel centre, which represents a well-grounded indicator of its dynamic behaviour prescribed by the code DIN 22261-2, 14 out of 16 analysed design variants have been discarded, reducing the set of possible solutions to only two – the originally-designed variant (with 17 buckets), and the variant with 20 buckets. Conclusions on the validity of these two design variants were derived on the basis of the dynamic response analysis of the referent points of the SS. The analysis of the impact of soiling on the dynamic response of the SS has shown that negative dynamic effects, observed in the preceding analysis of the originally-designed solution, increase with the amount of the adhered material. Although the redesigned variant with 20 buckets has proven as the only suitable solution from the standpoint of dynamic behaviour of the SS, the results have to be assessed carefully due to the fact that the reduction of the mass of the bucket wheel steel structure by more than 14% leads to the appearance of unfavourable dynamic effects, even though the SS CoG position is preserved.

The paper deals with the structural optimization of the cantilever girder. Standard CAD optimization tool is used for the model of the main girder on a large jib crane. The objective function is the minimum weight of the girder subjected to the given payload, while constraint functions are postulated according to the usual structural rules and regulations. The illustrative example shows an easy way of optimization which can be used in everyday CAD designing practice. It gives practical recommendations in the selection of variable parameters. The obtained results indicate that the algorithm is time-saving when compared to the analytical approach, especially when variability of the section needs to be included in the design.

The design concept of temporary leaning of the gas oil storage tank bearing structure used during substitution of the worn out section of the bottom plates in the zone of the central column support is presented in the paper. On the basis of comparative analysis of the results obtained using finite element structural calculations of the designed state and the state of the central column leaning on the temporary supports, it was determined that by the implementation of the temporary support, the stress-strain state of the bearing structure, which corresponds to the designed stress-strain state of the construction, is obtained. Besides, the strength proof of the structure of temporary support including its welded joint to the central column is also presented in the paper.

An original method for validation of the number of buckets on the working device of a bucket wheel excavator based on the dynamic response of its slewing superstructure (SS) is presented. A set of 16 seemingly acceptable solutions which satisfied the rigid design restrictions, based on the preservation of the existing (a) bucket wheel drivetrain, (b) theoretical capacity, (c) characteristics of the excavated soil and (d) position of the superstructure centre of gravity (CoG), was analysed. Already on the basis of the limiting vertical and lateral accelerations of the bucket wheel centre, which represents a well-grounded indicator of its dynamic behaviour prescribed by the code DIN 22261-2, 14 out of 16 analysed design variants have been discarded, reducing the set of possible solutions to only two - the originally-designed variant (with 17 buckets), and the variant with 20 buckets. Conclusions on the validity of these two design variants were derived on the basis of the dynamic response analysis of the referent points of the SS. The analysis of the impact of soiling on the dynamic response of the SS has shown that negative dynamic effects, observed in the preceding analysis of the originally-designed solution, increase with the amount of the adhered material. Although the redesigned variant with 20 buckets has proven as the only suitable solution from the standpoint of dynamic behaviour of the SS, the results have to be assessed carefully due to the fact that the reduction of the mass of the bucket wheel steel structure by more than 14% leads to the appearance of unfavourable dynamic effects, even though the SS CoG position is preserved.

Tie-rods of the bucket wheel and counterweight booms are vital parts of the bucket wheel excavator slewing superstructure. This paper is dedicated to the problem of identifying the stress state of the critical cross-section ('net section') of the eye plates on these tie-rods. It presents the results of the experimental and numerical investigations carried out on the eyebar model. The results show the appearance of a plastic deformation in the zone near the contour of the hole even when the eye is subjected to the loads within the range of the permissible loads prescribed by the standard DIN 22261-2. Plastification in the eye net section occurs across the full thickness of the plate, but it does not jeopardize the integrity of the structure. The stress value in the eye net section, calculated in accordance with the standard DIN 22261-2, is significantly lower than the actual stress values around the hole and serves only as a comparative value for the static strength proof for the eye.

Exploitation of bucket wheel excavators (BWEs) is accompanied by an increase of mass due to transport and adherence of a large amount of the material. Technical regulations do not account for the dynamic behaviour of BWEs. Such problems are analysed as quasi-static. A procedure and results of investigation of the influence of masses of the bucket wheel (BW) incrustation and soil in a blocked BW chute on the superstructure response are presented. Analysis of sensitivity of dynamic characteristics and the response to adherence of the material is conducted. The method and results can be used in the design stages of new and in reconstructions of obsolete BWEs.