Search for vector-like bottom quark via $Zb$ production at the LHC

Abstract

Vector-like quarks (VLQs) are predicted in many new physics scenarios beyond the standard model (SM). We consider a search strategy for vector-like bottom quark (VLQ-$B$) at the LHC in a model independent fashion. Our analysis is based on single production of VLQ-$B$ with decaying to the $ Zb$ mode. The production cross sections and the signal significance $SS$ are calculated, and the observability of the VLQ-$B$ signal is investigated. Our numerical results show that the possible signals of the VLQ-$B$ with electric charge of $Q_B= -1/3$, which is the $SU(2)$ singlet, might be detected via the process $pp \to B \to Z~(\to l^+ l^-) b$ at the upgraded LHC.