Search for dark matter and supersymmetry via vector boson fusion at the Large Hadron Collider

Abstract

A first search for pair production of dark matter candidates through vector boson fusion, in proton-proton collisions at sqrt(s) = 8 TeV, is performed with the CMS detector. The vector boson fusion topology enhances missing transverse momentum, providing a way to probe supersymmetry also in the case of compressed mass spectrum. The observed dijet mass spectrum is compatible with the background prediction. Upper limits are set on the production cross section of dark matter particles using an effective field theory. Production of a bottom squark with mass below 315 GeV is excluded at 95% confidence limit, assuming a 5 GeV mass difference with the lightest neutralino.