$\epsilon_b$ Constraints on Self--Couplings of Vector Bosons

Abstract

We analyze the constraints on possible anomalous contributions to the $W^+W^-Z$ vertex coming from non-universal radiative corrections to the $Z \rightarrow b \bar{b}$ width. We parametrize these corrections in terms of $\epsilon_b$ and use the LEP data to establish the allowed values for the anomalous triple couplings. We examine all CP conserving effective operators that exhibit $SU(2)_L\times U(1)_Y$ gauge invariance and do not give any tree level contribution to the present experimental observables. For some of these operators our constraints are comparable with the bounds coming from a global fit of the oblique parameters, which evidences the increasing relevance of the precise measurement of the $b$--quark parameters at LEP for the search of new physics.