Nonuniversal scalar masses: A signal-based analysis for the CERN Large Hadron Collider

We study the possible signatures of nonuniversal scalar masses in supersymmetry at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This is done, following our recent study on gaugino nonuniversality, via a multichannel analysis, based largely on the ratios of event rates for different final states, aimed at minimizing irregularity in the pattern due to extraneous effects and errors. We have studied (a) squark-slepton nonuniversality, (b) nonuniversality in sfermion masses of the third family, (c) the effects of SO(10) D-terms in supersymmetric grand unified theories. After presenting an elaborate numerical analysis of like- and opposite-sign dileptons, inclusive and hadronically quiet trileptons, as well as inclusive jet final states, we point out specific features of the spectrum in each case, which can be differentiated in the above channels from the spectrum for a minimal supergravity scenario with a universal scalar mass at high scale. The event selection criteria and the situations where the signals are sizable enough for a comparative study, are also delineated. It is found that, with some exceptions, the trilepton channels are likely to be especially useful for this purpose.