Angular correlations in associated top-quark and dark matter production at Large Hadron Collider (2406.07704v2)

Abstract: In the paper, we consider the processes of single top-quark production in association with dark matter particles through the t-channel in simplified models with scalar and pseudoscalar mediators. Within the framework of these models, we analyze the angular correlations that arise in the top quark production process in association with dark matter, comparing them with the production of a top quark in the Standard Model. We consider angular correlations of kinematic variables, which define admissible regions in momentum space and can be used experimentally to distinguish between the fraction of the total momentum carried away by the scalar or pseudoscalar mediator. We demonstrate that scalar mediator significantly changes the rest frame of the well-known angular correlation observable and changes the distributions. In this case, this variable provides clear separation between the SM and DM contribution and can be used to increase the sensitivity of future DM analyses.