Vector-like quarks with non-renormalizable interactions

TL;DR

This paper explores how non-renormalizable interactions in effective field theories with vector-like quarks influence their production, decay, and Higgs physics, especially for quarks with non-standard quantum numbers.

Contribution

It analyzes the phenomenological consequences of including leading non-renormalizable terms in models with vector-like quarks, extending beyond the usual renormalizable framework.

Findings

Non-renormalizable terms significantly affect quark production and decay.

Long-lived states emerge for vector-like quarks with non-standard quantum numbers.

Higgs physics is notably impacted by these non-renormalizable interactions.

Abstract

We study the impact of the leading non-renormalizable terms in the effective field theory that describes general extensions of the Standard Model with vector-like quarks. Dropping the usual assumption of renormalizability has several phenomenological consequences for the production and decay of the heavy quarks and also for Higgs physics. The most dramatic effects, including those associated with a long lifetime, occur for vector-like quarks with non-standard quantum numbers.