Abstract
In this paper we explore the coupling of a light axion-like particle (ALP) to top quarks. We use high-energy LHC probes, and examine both the direct probe to this coupling in associated production of a top-pair with an ALP, and the indirect probe through loop-induced gluon fusion to an ALP leading to top pairs. Using the latest LHC Run II data, we provide the best limit on this coupling. We also compare these limits with those obtained from loop-induced couplings in diboson final states, finding that the \( t\overline{t} \)+MET channel is the best current handle on this coupling.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Ilaria Brivio for her help with the UFO implementation of the fermionic couplings, to Quico Botella and Miguel Nebot for their insights into FCNCs and to Jorge de Troconiz for pointing out a new CMS analysis. We would also like to acknowledge discussions with Rene Poncelet. FE is supported by the Generalitat Valenciana with the grant GRISOLIAP/2020/145. The research of VS is supported by the Generalitat Valenciana PROMETEO/2021/083 and the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion PID2020-113644GB-I00. The work of M. M. and M. U is supported by the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation Programme (grant agreement n.950246) and in part by STFC consolidated grant ST/T000694/1. The work of M. U. is also funded by the Royal Society grant DH150088. The research of M. M. is also supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under grant 396021762 — TRR 257 Particle Physics Phenomenology after the Higgs Discovery.
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Esser, F., Madigan, M., Sanz, V. et al. On the coupling of axion-like particles to the top quark. J. High Energ. Phys. 2023, 63 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP09(2023)063
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP09(2023)063