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Sensitivity of searches for new signals and its optimization

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arxiv physics/0308063 v2 pith:RHC42STG submitted 2003-08-15 physics.data-an hep-ex

classification physics.data-anhep-ex
keywords optimizationsensitivitya-prioriallowingapplicableapproximatebackgroundclear
verification ladder T0 review T1 audit T2 compute T3 formal

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A frequentist definition of sensitivity of a search for new phenomena is discussed, that has several useful properties. It is based on completely standard concepts, is generally applicable, and has a very clear interpretation. It is particularly suitable for optimization, being independent of a-priori expectations about the presence of a signal, thus allowing the determination of a single set of cuts that is optimal both for setting limits and for making a discovery. Simple approximate formulas are given for the common problem of Poisson counts with background.

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Forward citations

Cited by 10 Pith papers

Reviewed papers in the Pith corpus that reference this work. Sorted by Pith novelty score. OpenAlex reports about 59 citations worldwide. Full citation record

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