https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/i2017-11340-1
Regular Article
Bayes factor of the ATLAS diphoton excess: Using Bayes factors to understand anomalies at the LHC
ARC Centre of Excellence for Particle Physics at the Tera-scale, School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University, 3800, Victoria, Australia
* e-mail: andrew.j.fowlie@googlemail.com
Received:
7
December
2016
Accepted:
2
January
2017
Published online:
26
January
2017
As an example of using Bayesian statistics in searches for new physics at the LHC, we present a calculation of Bayes factors for the erstwhile digamma resonance (
) versus the SM in light of ATLAS 8 TeV 20.3/fb, 13 TeV 3.2/fb and 13 TeV 15.4/fb data. We matched, wherever possible, parameterisations in the ATLAS analysis. We calculated that the plausibility of the
versus the Standard Model increased by about eight in light of the 8 TeV 20.3/fb and 13 TeV 3.2/fb ATLAS data, somewhat justifying interest in models. All told, however, in light of 15.4/fb data, the was disfavoured by about 0.7. We argue that Bayes factors could play an important role in future anomalies by clarifying the plausibility of new physics and sidestepping look-elsewhere effects.
© Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 2017
