Single top or bottom production associated with a scalar in \gamma p collision as a probe of topcolor-assisted technicolor

TL;DR

This paper investigates the potential of gamma-proton collisions to detect scalar-mediated single top or bottom production as a test of topcolor-assisted technicolor models, highlighting significant cross sections in certain parameter regions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to probe TC2 models through specific scalar-associated production processes in gamma-proton collisions, which are highly suppressed in the Standard Model.

Findings

Production cross section can reach 100 fb for certain processes.

Enhanced production rates in TC2 models compared to Standard Model predictions.

Potential for experimental testing of TC2 models at future colliders.

Abstract

In the framework of the topcolor-assisted technicolor (TC2) models, we study the productions of a single top or bottom quark associated with a scalar in \gamma-p collision, which proceed via the subprocesses c\gamma -> t\pi_t^0, c\gamma -> t h_t^0 and c\gamma -> b\pi^+_t mediated by the anomalous top or bottom coupling tc\pi_t^0, tch_t^0 and bc\pi_t^+. These productions, while extremely suppressed in the Standard Model, are found to be significantly enhanced in the large part of the TC2 parameter space, especially the production via c\gamma -> b\pi^+ can have a cross section of 100 fb, which may be accessible and allow for a test of the TC2 models.