Search for single production of vector-like quarks decaying into $Wb$ in $pp$ collisions at $\sqrt{s} =$ 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

TL;DR

This paper reports a search for single production of vector-like quarks decaying into Wb in proton-proton collisions at 8 TeV, setting mass exclusion limits and constraining couplings based on ATLAS data.

Contribution

First search to set limits on single production of vector-like quarks decaying into Wb at 8 TeV with detailed analysis and interpretation.

Findings

No significant excess observed over Standard Model background.

Excluded T quark masses below 0.95 TeV at 95% CL.

Set limits on QWb coupling and mixing parameters.

Abstract

A search for singly produced vector-like $Q$ quarks, where $Q$ can be either a $T$ quark with charge $+2/3$ or a $Y$ quark with charge $-4/3$, is performed in proton-proton collisions recorded with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The dataset corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 20.3 fb$^{-1}$ and was produced with a centre-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}=8$ TeV. This analysis targets $Q \to Wb$ decays where the $W$ boson decays leptonically. A veto on massive large-radius jets is used to reject the dominant $t\bar{t}$ background. The reconstructed $Q$-candidate mass, ranging from 0.4 to 1.2 TeV, is used in the search to discriminate signal from background processes. No significant deviation from the Standard Model expectation is observed, and limits are set on the $Q \to Wb$ cross-section times branching ratio. The results are also interpreted as limits on the $QWb$ coupling and the mixing with the Standard Model sector for a singlet $T$ quark or a $Y$ quark from a doublet. $T$ quarks with masses below 0.95 TeV are excluded at 95% confidence level, assuming a unit coupling and a BR$(T\rightarrow Wb) = 0.5$, whereas the expected limit is 1.10 TeV.