Probing Strongly-interacting Electroweak Dynamics through $W^+W^-/ZZ$ Ratios at Future $e^+e^-$ Colliders

Abstract

We point out that the ratio of $W^+ W^- \to W^+ W^-$ and $W^+W^- \to ZZ$ cross sections is a sensitive probe of the dynamics of electroweak symmetry breaking, in the CM energy region $\sqrt {s_{\rm ww}^{}} \agt 1$~TeV where vector boson scattering may well become strong. We suggest ways in which this ratio can be extracted at a 1.5 TeV $e^+e^-$ linear collider, using $W^\pm,Z \to jj$ hadronic decays and relying on dijet mass resolution to provide statistical discrimination between $W^\pm$ and $Z$. $WW$ fusion processes studied here are unique for exploring scalar resonances of mass about 1 TeV and are complementary to studies via the direct channel $e^+ e^- \rightarrow W^+W^-$ for the vector and non-resonant cases. With an integrated luminosity of 200 fb$^{-1}$, the signals obtained are statistically significant. Comparison with a study of $e^-e^- \rightarrow \nu\nu W^-W^-$ process is made. Enhancements of the signal rate from using a polarized electron beam, or at a 2 TeV $e^+e^-$ linear collider and possible higher energy $\mu^+\mu^-$ colliders, are also presented.