Search for scalar leptoquarks produced via $\tau$-lepton-quark scattering in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

TL;DR

This paper reports the first search for scalar leptoquarks produced via tau-lepton-quark scattering in proton-proton collisions at 13 TeV, using CMS data, setting limits on their production and coupling.

Contribution

It introduces a novel search for scalar leptoquarks produced in tau-quark collisions, expanding the scope of leptoquark searches beyond pair production.

Findings

No significant excess observed, leading to exclusion limits.

Constraints placed on leptoquark mass and coupling strength.

Results extend previous bounds on scalar leptoquarks.

Abstract

The first search for scalar leptoquarks produced in $\tau$-lepton-quark collisions is presented. It is based on a set of proton-proton collision data recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb$^{-1}$. The reconstructed final state consists of a jet, significant missing transverse momentum, and a $\tau$ lepton reconstructed through its hadronic or leptonic decays. Limits are set on the product of the leptoquark production cross section and branching fraction and interpreted as exclusions in the plane of the leptoquark mass and the leptoquark-$\tau$-quark coupling strength.