Search for single production of a vector-like T quark decaying to tZ with CMS at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

TL;DR

This paper reports a search for single production of heavy vector-like T quarks decaying to tZ in proton-proton collisions at 13 TeV, exploring a mass range of 0.7 to 1.7 TeV and various decay widths.

Contribution

It introduces a search strategy for single production of vector-like T quarks at the LHC, considering a wide mass and width range, and utilizing boosted topologies for increased sensitivity.

Findings

No significant excess observed over the Standard Model background.

Limits set on the production cross section of T quarks.

Enhanced sensitivity achieved through boosted topology analysis.

Abstract

We present a search for single production of heavy vector-like quarks (VLQs), carried out by the CMS collaboration analyzing LHC pp collisions at 13 TeV. The vector like quark is a massive top quark partner that is searched for in a mass range between 0.7 and 1.7 TeV and a width between $<$1\% and 30\%. Single production can be dominant over pair production, depending on the mass of the new quark. The search is performed in a variety of final states including boosted topologies that can increase the sensitivity of the analysis.