Search for heavy stable charged particles in pp collisions at √ s = 7 TeV

Abstract

The result of a search at the LHC for heavy stable charged particles produced in pp collisions at √s = 7TeV is described. The data sample was collected with the CMS detector and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 3:1 pb-1. Momentum and ionization-energy-loss measurements in the inner tracker detector are used to identify tracks compatible with heavy slow-moving particles. Additionally, tracks passing muon identification requirements are also analyzed for the same signature. In each case, no candidate passes the selection, with an expected background of less than 0:1 events. A lower limit at the 95% confidence level on the mass of a stable gluino is set at 398 GeV/c2, using a conventional model of nuclear interactions that allows charged hadrons containing this particle to reach the muon detectors. A lower limit of 311 GeV/c2 is also set for a stable gluino in a conservative scenario of complete charge suppression, where any hadron containing this particle becomes neutral before reaching the muon detectors.