Excited Quark Production at Future $\gamma p$ Colliders

Abstract

Excited quark production at future $\gamma p$ colliders is studied. Namely, $\gamma p \to q^{*}X$ with subsequent $q^{*}\to gq$ and $\gamma q $ decay channels are considered. Signatures for discovery of the excited quark and corresponding standard model backgrounds are discussed in detail. Discovery limits for excited quark masses and achievable values of compositeness parameters $f_s$, $f$ and $f^\prime $ are determined.