Forward experiment sensitivity estimator for the LHC and future hadron colliders

We introduce a numerical package FORward Experiment SEnsitivity Estimator, or FORESEE, that can be used to simulate the expected sensitivity reach of experiments placed in the far-forward direction from the proton-proton interaction point. The simulations can be performed for 14 TeV collision energy characteristic for the LHC, as well as for larger energies; 27 and 100 TeV. In the package, a comprehensive list of validated forward spectra of various SM species is also provided. The capabilities of FORESEE are illustrated for the popular dark photon and dark Higgs boson models, as well as for the search for light upphilic scalars. For the dark photon portal, we also comment on the complementarity between such searches and dark matter direct detection bounds. Additionally, for the first time, we discuss the prospects for the LLP searches in the proposed future hadron colliders: High-Energy LHC (HE-LHC), Super proton-proton Collider (SppC), and Future Circular Collider (FCC-hh).

Automated summary

This article introduces the numerical software package FORESEE, which can simulate the sensitivity range of experiments in the far-forward direction and provide validated forward spectra for various Standard Model species at different energy levels. The capabilities of FORESEE are demonstrated for dark photon and dark Higgs boson models, as well as the search for light upphilic scalars. Furthermore, the prospects for LLP searches in proposed future hadron colliders are discussed for the first time, including the High-Energy LHC, Super proton-proton Collider, and Future Circular Collider.