Tagging $b$ quarks at extreme energies without tracks

TL;DR

This paper introduces a hit-based b-tagging method for high-energy jets that leverages the traversal of B hadrons through pixel detectors, enabling effective b-jet identification at energies beyond traditional techniques.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel hit-based b-tagging technique that does not rely on tracks, suitable for extremely high-energy jets, demonstrated through simulation.

Findings

Effective identification of b-jets at energies beyond conventional methods.

The technique maintains high efficiency at ultra-high energies.

Potential for integration into existing detector systems.

Abstract

We describe a new hit-based $b$-tagging technique for high energy jets and study its performance with a Geant4-based simulation. The technique uses the fact that at sufficiently high energy a B meson or baryon can live long enough to traverse the inner layers of pixel detectors such as those in the ATLAS, ALICE, or CMS experiments prior to decay. By first defining a "jet" via the calorimeter, and then counting hits within that jet between pixel layers at increasing radii, we show it is possible to identify jets that contain $b$-quarks by detecting a jump in the number of hits. We show that the technique maintains its efficiency at energies beyond the range of conventional $b$-taggers.