Theoretical Particle Physics

Andrea Banfi

From QCD to a theory of jets

The The aim of the project is to develop a robust theoretical framework for the physics of hadronic jets at colliders, based on Quantum Chromo-Dynamics (QCD), the theory of strong interactions.  Having analytical control over jets makes is possible to devise better observables both for precision studies and for new physics searches. Remarkable recent examples are Higgs cross sections with a jet veto, crucial for Higgs characterisation, and the two-jet rate in electron-positron annihilation.

Precision physics at the LHC

In recent years, the accuracy of experimental measurements has reached an astonishing accuracy (of the order 1%). Matching such precision with theoretical calculations is the aim of this project. On one hand this will give improved predictions for many relevant LHC observables. Furthermore, more accurate calculations will provide better inputs for LHC physics, such as a more precise determination of the coupling of strong interactions.

Jets and new physics searches

Many new physics searches at the LHC events containing jets. Disentangling signal from background in such busy events is the subject of many theoretical analyses. The aim of the project is to exploit our knowledge of jet dynamics to improve our current strategies to look for new physics, or devise better ones.