Particle Physics Seminar: Searching for New Phenomena in Final States with Two Leptons and $b$-tagged Jets

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86839874635?pwd=bzhpSEhOUzNxSU4xYVVOMW54N2ZnZz09

Abstract:

One of the fundamental predictions of the Standard Model is Lepton Flavour Universality. Any deviation from this prediction would indicate the existence of physics beyond the Standard Model. Recent LHCb measurements present a pattern of deviations from this prediction in rare B-meson decays. While not yet statistically significant, these measurements show an imbalance in the ratio of B-meson decays to a pair of muons in association with a Kaon and decays to a pair of electrons in association with a Kaon. If the measured deviations are indeed present in nature, physics beyond the Standard Model may mediate interactions involving a pair of same flavour leptons, a $b$- and an $s$-quark, which can be modeled by a four-fermion contact-interaction. The associated contact-interaction motivates a search in novel final states, that have not been tested so far at the LHC, including two opposite-sign leptons (electrons or muons) with large invariant mass and $b$-tagged jet selections. Furthermore, this unique signature allows an enhanced sensitivity to other contact-interactions as well, modeled by a pair of quarks and two opposite-sign leptons. In this talk, I will discuss the potential of this already ongoing search.

Seminar Organizers: Prof. Erez Etzion & Dr. Liron Barak