Top Quark Production in p-p Collisions

[Avogadro Number]

Hi,

In a p-p collision, where a we look at u ubar → γ → f fbar, where f is a fermion,
what channels are available for f? Is f also allowed to be the top quark?
In an analogous process where the γ is replaced for example by the Z0 boson,
the book by Kane takes f to be all except the top quark.
Could someone please clarify this for me? Thanks!

 

[mfb]

It depends on the collision energy. With sufficient energy (e.g. at the LHC) all quarks are possible. The book might look at a particular machine with a lower energy.

 

[Orodruin]

In a p-p collision, where a we look at u ubar → γ → f fbar, where f is a fermion,
what channels are available for f? Is f also allowed to be the top quark?

Any channel that is energetically allowed where $f$ carries electric charge is allowed. In other words, if you have sufficient energy, everything except neutrinos (which do not carry electric charge).

In an analogous process where the γ is replaced for example by the Z0 boson,
the book by Kane takes f to be all except the top quark.

As stated in #2, the only reason to do this is to look at a particular machine where $t\bar t$ is not kinematically accessible.

Neither of those processes would be the dominant mode of $t\bar t$ production at (e.g.) the LHC as $t\bar t$ production can occur through strong interactions.

Are you looking at the first or second edition of Kane's book? There are some 25 years of intensive research separating the two editions.

 

[Avogadro Number]

I see. This helps me follow! I was looking at the latest edition, but I suppose even that is probably a few years old now. Thanks again!