Search for heavy resonances decaying to Z(ν¯ν)V(q¯q′) in proton-proton collisions at √s=13 TeV

Abstract

A search is presented for heavy bosons decaying to Z(ν¯ν)V(q¯q′), where V can be a W or a Z boson. A sample of proton-proton collision data at √s=13 TeV was collected by the CMS experiment during 2016–2018. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 137 fb−1. The event categorization is based on the presence of high-momentum jets in the forward region to identify production through weak vector boson fusion. Additional categorization uses jet substructure techniques and the presence of large missing transverse momentum to identify W and Z bosons decaying to quarks and neutrinos, respectively. The dominant standard model backgrounds are estimated using data taken from control regions. The results are interpreted in terms of radion, W ′boson, and graviton models, under the assumption that these bosons are produced via gluon-gluon fusion, Drell–Yan, or weak vector boson fusion processes. No evidence is found for physics beyond the standard model. Upper limits are set at 95% confidence level on various types of hypothetical new bosons. Observed (expected) exclusion limits on the masses of these bosons range from 1.2 to 4.0 (1.1 to 3.7) TeV.