A variable for measuring masses at hadron colliders when missing energy is expected;mT2: the truth behind the glamour

We present the kinematic variable, m T 2 , which is in some ways similar to the more familiar 'transverse mass', but which can be used in events where two or more particles have escaped detection. We define this variable and describe the event topologies to which it applies, then present some of its mathematical properties. We then briefly discuss two case studies which show how m T 2 is vital when reconstructing the masses of supersymmetric particles in mSUGRA-like and AMSB-like scenarios at the large hadron collider.