The recently observed hadronic single- and multijet events accompanied by large missing $p_T$ can be consistently explained by gluinos (g̃), produced via qq¯,gg→g̃ g̃ with an optimal mass of $m_{g̃}$=35 to 45 GeV. This result agrees surprisingly well with theoretical predictions of the minimal N=1 supergravity model. Adopting the theoretically somewhat less appealing alternative where scalar quarks (q̃) are lighter than gluinos such that they are dominantly produced via qq¯,gg→q̃ q̃, the events can also be explained by scalar quarks in a similar mass range. Currently available data, including the observed jet properties, cannot meaningfully distinguish between these two mechanisms. In addition we present detailed predictions for cross sections and distributions in 〈$E_T$〉, $p_T^{\mathrm{miss}}$, $p_T^{\mathrm{jet}}$, and invariant observed jet masses for gluino as well as scalar-quark production at present and forthcoming CERN pp¯ collider energies (√s =540 and 620 GeV). Realistic tests are suggested which would allow discrimination between gluinos and scalar quarks in the near future.

• Received 28 January 1985

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.32.645