Precision predictions for scalar leptoquark pair production at the LHC

TL;DR

This paper provides the most precise theoretical predictions for scalar leptoquark pair production at the LHC, including QCD and lepton t-channel contributions, crucial for optimizing experimental searches.

Contribution

It introduces next-to-leading order QCD calculations with soft-gluon resummation at NNLL accuracy for scalar leptoquark pair production, incorporating lepton t-channel effects.

Findings

All corrections are equally significant.

Different parton distribution functions impact the predictions.

The results set a new standard for leptoquark cross section calculations.

Abstract

We present precision predictions for scalar leptoquark pair production at the LHC. Apart from QCD contributions, included are the lepton $t$-channel exchange diagrams relevant in the light of the recent $B$-flavour anomalies. All contributions are evaluated at next-to-leading order in QCD and improved by resummation, in the threshold regime, of the corrections from soft-gluon radiation at the next-to-next-to-leading-logarithmic accuracy. All corrections are found equally relevant. Furthermore, the impact of different sets of parton distribution functions is discussed. These predictions constitute the most precise leptoquark cross section calculations available to date and are necessary for the best exploitation of leptoquark LHC searches.