Correlating uncertainties in global analyses within standard model EFT matters
Abstract
We investigate the impact of correlations between (theoretical and experimental) uncertainties on multi-experiment, multi-observable analyses within the standard model effective field theory (SMEFT). To do so, we perform a model-independent analysis of t -channel single top-quark production and top-quark decay data from ATLAS, CMS, CDF, and D0. We show quantitatively how the fit changes when different experimental or theoretical correlations are assumed. Scaling down statistical uncertainties according to the luminosities of future colliders with 300 fb-1 and higher, we find that this effect becomes a matter of life and death: assuming no correlations returns a fit in agreement with the standard model while a "best guess"-ansatz taking into account correlations would observe new physics. At the same time, modeling the impact of higher order SMEFT-corrections the latter turn out to be a subleading source of uncertainty only.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review D
- Pub Date:
- December 2020
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevD.102.115019
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1912.06090
- Bibcode:
- 2020PhRvD.102k5019B
- Keywords:
-
- High Energy Physics - Phenomenology;
- High Energy Physics - Experiment
- E-Print:
- 17 pages, 6 figures, v2:Corrected a sign mistake in the code used to derive results of v1. Results are updated and numerical values included in two tables. Additional clarifications added. Conclusions unchanged