Top asymmetry and the search for a light hadronic resonance in association with single top

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel search strategy for a light flavor-changing gauge boson associated with single top production, which could reveal new physics related to the top quark asymmetry at colliders.

Contribution

It introduces a new method to detect a light $t$-channel gauge boson via $jj$ resonance in association with single top, improving sensitivity over existing analyses.

Findings

Potential to discover light $t$-channel mediators in current collider data.

Deviations in lepton charge asymmetry could signal new physics.

Enhanced search strategy complements traditional $ ext{m}_{tt}$ distribution analyses.

Abstract

The exchange of a light $t$-channel flavor-changing gauge boson, $\Vp$, with mass $\sim m_{top}$ remains a leading explanation for the anomalous forward backward asymmetry in top quark production at the Tevatron. Unlike other ideas, including heavier $t$-channel mediators, the light $\Vp$ model is not easily seen in the $\mtt$ distribution. We advocate a more promising strategy. While current analyses at hadron colliders may not be sensitive, we propose searching for a $jj$ resonance in association with single top that may allow discovery in existing data. Deviations in the lepton charge asymmetry in this sample should also be present.