Search for Z'--> e^+e^- Using Dielectron Mass and Angular Distribution

Abstract

We search for Z' bosons in dielectron events produced in ppbar collisions at sqrt{s}=1.96 TeV, using a 0.45 fb^(-1) dataset accumulated with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. To identify the Z' --> e^+e^- signal, both the dielectron invariant mass distribution and the angular distribution of the electron pair are used. No evidence of a signal is found, and 95% confidence level lower limits are set on the Z' mass for several models. Limits are also placed on the mass and gauge coupling of a generic Z', as well as on the contact interaction mass scales for different helicity structure scenarios.