Search for New Particles Leading to $Z +$ jets Final States in $p \bar{p}$ Collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 1.96-TeV

We present the results of a search for new particles that lead to a Z boson plus jets in p[overline p] collisions at sqrt(s)=1.96 TeV using the Collider Detector at Fermilab (CDF II). A data sample with a luminosity of 1.06 fb-1 collected using Z boson decays to ee and µµ is used. We describe a completely data-based method to predict the dominant background from standard model Z+jet events. This method can be similarly applied to other analyses requiring background predictions in multijet environments, as shown when validating the method by predicting the background from W+jets in t[overline t] production. No significant excess above the background prediction is observed, and a limit is set using a fourth generation quark model to quantify the acceptance. Assuming BR(b[prime]-->bZ)=100\% and using a leading-order calculation of the b[prime] cross section, b[prime] quark masses below 268 GeV/c2 are excluded at 95% confidence level.

Duke Scholars

Author Alfred T. Goshaw Physics

Author Ashutosh V. Kotwal Physics

Author Mark C. Kruse Physics

Author Seog Oh Physics