Search for a new <i>Z</i>′ gauge boson via the <i>pp</i> → <i>W</i><SUP>±(</SUP>*<SUP>)</SUP> → <i>Z</i>′μ<SUP>±</SUP>ν → μ<SUP>±</SUP>μ<SUP>∓</SUP>μ<SUP>±</SUP>ν process in <i>pp</i> collisions at √<i>s</i>=13 TeV with the ATLAS detector

Abstract

A search for a new Z' gauge boson predicted by L-mu - L-tau models, based on charged-current Drell-Yan production, pp -> W-+/-(*()) -> Z'mu(+/-)nu -> mu(+/-)mu(-/+)mu(+/-)nu, is presented. The data sample used corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 140 fb(-1) of proton-proton collisions at root s = 13 TeV recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The search examines a final state of 3 mu plus large missing transverse momentum. Upper limits are set on the Z' production cross section times branching ratio in the mass range of 5-81 GeV. After combining with the previous Z' search using the neutral-current Drell-Yan production with a 4 mu final state, the most stringent exclusion limits to date are achieved in the parameter space of the Z' coupling strength and mass.