NLO QCD and EW corrections to off-shell $\mathrm{t}\mathrm{Z}\mathrm{j}$ production at the LHC

TL;DR

This paper presents a comprehensive NLO calculation of off-shell tZj production at the LHC, including QCD and electroweak corrections, to improve theoretical predictions for experimental measurements.

Contribution

It introduces the first combined NLO QCD and electroweak correction calculation for off-shell tZj production with full spin correlations.

Findings

Enhanced accuracy in differential cross-section predictions.

Inclusion of off-shell effects and spin correlations.

Improved modeling for experimental analyses.

Abstract

The production of a single top quark in association with a $\mathrm{Z}$ boson ($\mathrm{t}\mathrm{Z}\mathrm{j}$ production) at the LHC is a relevant probe of the electroweak sector of the Standard Model as well as a window to possible new-physics effects. The growing experimental interest in performing differential measurements for this process demands an improved theoretical modelling in realistic fiducial regions. In this article we present an NLO-accurate $\mathrm{t}\mathrm{Z}\mathrm{j}$ calculation that includes complete off-shell effects and spin correlations, combining QCD and electroweak radiative corrections to the LO signal. Integrated and differential cross-sections are shown for a fiducial setup characterized by three charged leptons, two jets, and missing energy.