Singularity Variables for Missing Energy Event Kinematics

Abstract: We discuss singularity variables which are properly suited for analyzing the kinematics of events with missing transverse energy at the LHC. We consider six of the simplest event topologies encountered in studies of leptonic W-bosons and top quarks, as well as in SUSY-like searches for new physics with dark matter particles. In each case, we illustrate the general prescription for finding the relevant singularity variable, which in turn helps delineate the visible parameter subspace on which the singularities are located. Our results can be used in two different ways - first, as a guide for targeting the signal-rich regions of parameter space during the stage of discovery, and second, as a sensitive focus point method for measuring the particle mass spectrum after the initial discovery.