Z' Physics and Supersymmetry

TL;DR

This review assesses heavy neutral gauge bosons $Z'$ in extensions of the Standard Model, with emphasis on supersymmetric and superstring-motivated constructions. It analyzes current constraints from precision electroweak data and colliders, and details discovery strategies and diagnostic observables at the LHC and future $e^+e^-$ colliders. A central theme is radiative $U(1)'$ breaking in SUSY and specific string-inspired scenarios that yield $Z'$ masses at the electroweak or intermediate scale, along with predictions for accompanying exotic states. The work contrasts generic, non-SUSY $Z'$s with SUSY GUT and non-GUT models, arguing that string-motivated, radiatively broken $U(1)'$ theories offer a predictive and testable framework for near-term collider experiments. It concludes that searches for $Z'$ (and exotics) constitute a motivated frontier in SUSY phenomenology with clear experimental implications.

Abstract

We review the status of heavy neutral gauge bosons, Z', with emphasis on constraints that arise in supersymmetric models, especially those motivated from superstring compactifications. We first summarize the current phenomenological constraints and the prospects for Z' detection and diagnostics at the LHC and NLC. After elaborating on the status and (lack of) predictive power for general models with an additional Z', we concentrate on motivations and successes for Z' physics in supersymmetric theories in general and in a class of superstring models in particular. We review phenomenologically viable scenarios with the Z' mass in the electroweak or in the intermediate scale region.