# Search for vector-like bottom quark via $Zb$ production at the LHC

## TL;DR

This paper proposes a model-independent search strategy for vector-like bottom quarks at the LHC, focusing on single production and decay to Zb, and evaluates the potential for detection with current collider capabilities.

## Contribution

It introduces a new, model-independent method for detecting vector-like bottom quarks via Zb decay channels at the LHC, including production cross sections and significance analysis.

## Key findings

- Potential detection of VLQ-B signals at the upgraded LHC.
- Calculated production cross sections and signal significance.
- VLQ-B with electric charge -1/3 could be observed via Z decay channel.

## Abstract

Vector-like quarks (VLQs) are predicted in many new physics scenarios beyond the standard model (SM). We consider a search strategy for vector-like bottom quark (VLQ-$B$) at the LHC in a model independent fashion. Our analysis is based on single production of VLQ-$B$ with decaying to the $ Zb$ mode. The production cross sections and the signal significance $SS$ are calculated, and the observability of the VLQ-$B$ signal is investigated. Our numerical results show that the possible signals of the VLQ-$B$ with electric charge of $Q_B= -1/3$, which is the $SU(2)$ singlet, might be detected via the process $pp \to B \to Z~(\to l^+ l^-) b$ at the upgraded LHC.