An insight into the rare $Z\to b\bar{b}\gamma$ at the HL-LHC

Abstract

Studies at the $Z$-pole have played an important role in developing our understanding of the Standard Model (SM). Continuing the explorations in this regime, we consider the possibility of the production of two $b$-quarks and a photon in proton-proton collisions at the HL-LHC. While such a final state is possible in the SM by means of the process $Z\to b\bar{b}$ decay with a radiated photon, the focus is on extracting its possible origins due to beyond Standard Model (BSM) physics. The signal topology can be broadly identified as $Z\to \Phi \gamma \to b\bar{b}\gamma$, where $\Phi$ can either be a spin-0 or spin-2 state with a mass less than that of the $Z$ boson.The analysis is characterised by two relatively low $p_T$ jets that are required to be $b$-tagged jets and an isolated photon. The study provides a quantitative framework for their identification and highlights the potential challenges associated with this final state. A range of machine learning architectures is employed to demonstrate the stability and reliability of the discriminating variables. This study highlights the importance of the low-$p_T$ objects in searches at the HL-LHC, hence the need to pay special attention to their identification and efficiencies.

Comments: 19 pages, 14 figures, 2 Appendices