A Remark on the $Z^0 \to b\bar b$ Width

Abstract

The $Z^0 \to b\bar b$ width, $Γ_b$, is analysed in conjunction with the total and hadronic $Z^0$ widths, $Γ_T$ and $Γ_h$. Assuming, tentatively, that the present 2$σ$ discrepancy in $Γ_b$ will substantiate as time goes on, for large values of $m_H$ it will be sufficient to modify the $Z^0 b \bar b$ vertex only. In contrast, for small values of $m_H$, the theoretical predictions for both the $Z^0$ width into light quarks and leptons as well as the $Z^0 \to b\bar b$ vertex will have to be modified.