Dark Matter Searches with ATLAS and Fermi

Abstract

This thesis presents Dark matter inspired searches for supersymmetry with a one-tau analysis at ATLAS, which excludes a region close to that of allowed dark matter densities at m_0 ~ 400 GeV, m_1/2 ~ 600 GeV, tan \beta = 30, A_0 = -1200 GeV in a "Higgs aware grid". The one tau analysis was among the first groups to constrain regions of this grid at ATLAS. In addition, this thesis presents a computation of variables and limits in the mSUGRAparameter space, both by astrophysical experiments and other observables. The new Higgs mass and the LHCb measurement of BR(B_s \rightarrow \mu^+ \mu^- ) impose constraints on large areas of the parameter space. However, some regions of interest are still there; the Higgs-aware grid was a good example. Also, in the region tan \beta = 30, A_0 = - 2300 GeV some promise may be found for both astro- and high-energy physics. Last; This thesis presents an exploration of the Fermi-LAT photon data in support of an ongoing effort to investigate the planned CTAs potential. Last spring, a paper present- ing a line feature at 130 GeV [70] in the Fermi-LAT spectrum was published, which has engendered an appropriately cautious response; both in view of the lack, for now, of a second experiment, as well as the importance a discovery would have.