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Our simulations of quirks have become sufficiently detailed to reveal their own shortcomings: important details of quirk dynamics and their signature in the detector depend upon the interactions of quirks with the material in the detector. Therefore, in order to understand the signal adequately, a full Geant4 simulation of quirks will be is required, both to assess the signal sensitivity as a function of quirk masses and confinement scales and to develop unbiased samples of data that are needed to model the expected backgrounds.
The required modifications to Geant are profound: pairs of quirks must must be stepped simultaneously through the detector volume under the influence of the string force as well as interactions with detector material. With the help of Geant experts at SLAC, a full simulation of quirk dynamics, including simulation of the infra color string has been added to Geant. Early results from this simulation are promising and validation of the code continues. In addition to informing the analysis strategy, insights gained from simulation work are key to a collaboration with theorists Markus Luty and Jared Evans on forming a better understanding of quirk dynamics.
Plans
Work on implementing quirks in Geant4 has begun, but is far from trivial because it involves fundamental changes to the way the Geant propagates particles through the detector: pairwise rather than individually. In parallel, we are beginning to develop background samples given our current level of understanding for the signature.
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