Modeling Smooth Backgrounds and Generic Localized Signals with Gaussian Processes

We describe a procedure for constructing a model of a smooth data spectrum Gaussian processes rather than the historical parametric description. approach considers a fuller space of possible functions, is robust at luminosity, and allows us to incorporate our understanding of the physics. We demonstrate the application of this approach to modeling background to searches for dijet resonances at the Large Hadron Collider describe how the approach can be used in the search for generic localized.