Predictions from Heavy New Physics Interpretation of the Top Forward-Backward Asymmetry

TL;DR

This paper uses an effective field theory approach to predict collider signatures of heavy new physics that could explain the top forward-backward asymmetry observed at the Tevatron, and discusses how these predictions can be tested at the LHC.

Contribution

It provides a model-independent framework to connect Tevatron asymmetry data with LHC observables, constraining new physics and predicting measurable effects at high invariant masses.

Findings

Heavy new physics can enhance top pair production at high invariant masses.

LHC 8 TeV data can potentially exclude or support these models.

The new physics has minimal impact on bottom pair asymmetry at low masses.

Abstract

We derive generic predictions at hadron colliders from the large forward-backward asymmetry observed at the Tevatron, assuming the latter arises from heavy new physics beyond the Standard Model. We use an effective field theory approach to characterize the associated unknown dynamics. By fitting the Tevatron t \bar t data we derive constraints on the form of the new physics. Furthermore, we show that heavy new physics explaining the Tevatron data generically enhances at high invariant masses both the top pair production cross section and the charge asymmetry at the LHC. This enhancement can be within the sensitivity of the 8 TeV run, such that the 2012 LHC data should be able to exclude a large class of models of heavy new physics or provide hints for its presence. The same new physics implies a contribution to the forward-backward asymmetry in bottom pair production at low invariant masses of order a permil at most.