Status Report on Universal Extra Dimensions After LHC8

Abstract

Although they do not address the hierarchy problem, models with Universal Extra Dimensions have attracted a lot of attention as simple benchmark models characterized by small mass splittings and a dark matter WIMP played by the Lightest Kaluza-Klein particle (LKP). We review their status, with emphasis on the minimal implementation in 5 dimensions (MUED) in which the LKP is a massive hypercharge gauge boson. In this case, the mass range accounting for the correct dark matter abundance (around 1.4 TeV) remains untouched by LHC8 and is out of reach of present DM direct detection experiments. However, LHC14 can probe the relevant region in the 3-lepton channel.