Probing Scalars, Vectors, Vector-Like Quarks, Supersymmetry, and Jet Quenching at the Large Hadron Collider

Abstract

A model based on a U(1)T 3 R extension of the Standard Model can address the mass hierarchy between generations of fermions, explain thermal dark matter abundance, and the muon g − 2, R(D), and R(D∗) anomalies. The model contains a light scalar boson φ and a heavy vector-like quark χu that can be probed at CERN’s large hadron collider (LHC). We perform a phenomenology study on the production of φ and χu particles from proton–proton (pp) collisions at the LHC at √s = 13.6 TeV, primarily through g−g and t−χu fusion. We work under a simplified model approach and directly take the χu and φ masses as free parameters. We perform a phenomenological analysis considering χu final states to b-quarks, muons, and neutrinos, and φ decays to μ+μ−. A machine learning algorithm is used to maximize the signal sensitivity, considering an integrated luminosity of 3000 fb−1. The proposed methodology can be a key mode for discovery over a large mass range, including low masses, traditionally considered difficult due to experimental constraints.