Search for single production of vector-like quarks decaying into $W(\ell\nu)b$ in $pp$ collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV with the ATLAS detector

TL;DR

This paper reports a search for single production of vector-like quarks decaying into Wb in 13 TeV proton-proton collisions, setting upper limits on production cross-sections and couplings based on ATLAS data, with no significant excess observed.

Contribution

First search to set limits on single vector-like quark production decaying into Wb at 13 TeV with full Run 2 ATLAS data, including interference effects.

Findings

No significant deviation from Standard Model background.

Upper limits on coupling strength κ vary with mass and model.

Constraints extend up to 2.6 TeV mass range.

Abstract

A search for single production of a vector-like quark $Q$, which could be either a singlet $T$, with charge $\tfrac23$, or a $Y$ from a $(T,B,Y)$ triplet, with charge $-\tfrac43$, is performed using data from proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The data correspond to the full integrated luminosity of 140 fb$^{-1}$ recorded with the ATLAS detector during Run~2 of the Large Hadron Collider. The analysis targets $Q \to Wb$ decays where the $W$ boson decays leptonically. The data are found to be consistent with the expected Standard Model background, so upper limits are set on the cross-section times branching ratio, and on the coupling of the $Q$ to the Standard Model sector for these two benchmark models. Effects of interference with the Standard Model background are taken into account. For the singlet $T$, the 95% confidence level limit on the coupling strength $\kappa$ ranges between 0.22 and 0.52 for masses from 1150 to 2300 GeV. For the $(T,B,Y)$ triplet, the limits on $\kappa$ vary from 0.14 to 0.46 for masses from 1150 to 2600 GeV.