Search potential for $\tilde{b}_{1} \rightarrow t W \tildeχ_{1}^{0}$ via $\tildeχ^{\pm}_{1}$ at the LHC and HL-LHC, with multi-lepton signatures

Abstract

The search potential for sbottom pair production in an R-parity conserving scenario is explored in multi-lepton final states at LHC Run-3 and the HL-LHC. In this model, the sbottom decays via a chargino, $\tilde{b}_1 \to t \tildeχ_1^\pm$, with a branching ratio (BR) of 100%. The chargino subsequently decays into a $W$ boson and the lightest neutralino, $\tildeχ_1^\pm \to W \tildeχ_1^0$, also with a BR of 100%. Two mass configurations are considered for $\tildeχ_1^0$: a fixed value of 50 GeV, and a scenario where $\tildeχ_1^\pm$ is 100 GeV heavier than $\tildeχ_1^0$. The study follows the ATLAS object definitions and event selection criteria as detailed in Refs.1-3, extending the analysis presented in Ref. 2. Results are presented as projected exclusion limits in the $\tilde{b}_1$-$\tildeχ_1^0$ and $\tilde{b}_1$-$\tildeχ_1^\pm$ mass planes for three center-of-mass energies (13 TeV, 13.6 TeV, and 14 TeV) and three integrated luminosity scenarios (139 fb$^{-1}$, 300 fb$^{-1}$, and 3000 fb$^{-1}$). Depending on the $\tildeχ_1^0$ mass assumption, sbottom masses up to 1.28 TeV can be excluded at the HL-LHC with 3000 fb$^{-1}$. These projections highlight the impact of alternative mass configurations on the sensitivity of multi-lepton \sbsbModel searches and provide guidance for future strategies targeting challenging SUSY scenarios at the LHC.