Vector-like quarks: Status and new directions at the LHC
Journal article, 2024
Experimental searches for vector-like quarks have until now only considered their decays into Standard Model particles. However, various new physics scenarios predict additional scalars, so that these vector-like quarks can decay to new channels. These new channels reduce the branching ratios into Standard Model final states, significantly affecting current mass bounds. In this article, we quantitatively assess the relevance and observability of single and pair production processes of vector-like quarks, followed by decays into both standard and exotic final states. We highlight the importance of large widths and the relative interaction strengths with Standard Model particles and new scalars. Then, we review the post-Moriond 2024 status of these models in light of available LHC data and discuss potential future strategies to enhance the scope of vector-like quark searches.
Author
Avik Banerjee
Chalmers, Physics, Subatomic, High Energy and Plasma Physics
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
Elin Bergeaas Kuutmann
Uppsala University
V. Ellajosyula
Uppsala University
University of Genoa
National Institute for Nuclear Physics
R. Enberg
Uppsala University
Gabriele Ferretti
Chalmers, Physics, Subatomic, High Energy and Plasma Physics
L. Panizzi
National Institute for Nuclear Physics
University of Calabria
SciPost Physics Core
26669366 (eISSN)
Vol. 7 4 079Subject Categories
Subatomic Physics
DOI
10.21468/SciPostPhysCore.7.4.079