Implications of the reported deviations from the standard model for Z->bb and alpha_s

Abstract

If the reported excess (over the standard model prediction) for Z->bb from LEP persists, and is explained by supersymmetric particles in loops, then we show that (1) a superpartner (chargino and/or stop) will be detected at LEP2, and probably at LEP1.5 in 1995, (2) the basic parameter tan(beta) is at its lower perturbative limit, (3) BR(t->t1+chi0) is at or above 0.4, (4) the upper limit on m_h is considerably reduced, and (5) several important consequences arise for the form of a unified supersymmetric theory. Our analysis is done in terms of a general weak scale Lagrangian and does not depend on assumptions about SUSY breaking.