Machine-Learning-based global particle-identification algorithms at the LHCb experiment

Abstract

One of the most important aspects of data analysis at the LHC experiments is the particle identification (PID). In LHCb, several different sub-detectors provide PID information: two Ring Imaging Cherenkov (RICH) detectors, the hadronic and electromagnetic calorimeters, and the muon chambers. To improve charged particle identification, we have developed models based on deep learning and gradient boosting. The new approaches, tested on simulated samples, provide higher identification performances than the current solution for all charged particle types. It is also desirable to achieve a flat dependency of efficiencies from spectator variables such as particle momentum, in order to reduce systematic uncertainties in the physics results. For this purpose, models that improve the flatness property for efficiencies have also been developed. This paper presents this new approach and its performance.