Search potential for b1→tWχ10 via χ1± at the LHC and HL-LHC, with multi-lepton signatures

The search potential for sbottom pair production in an R-parity conserving scenario is explored in multi-lepton final states at LHC Run-3 and the HL-LHC. In this model, the sbottom decays via a chargino, [Formula: see text], with a branching ratio (BR) of 100%. The chargino subsequently decays into a W boson and the lightest neutralino, [Formula: see text], also with a BR of 100%. Two mass configurations are considered for [Formula: see text]: a fixed value of 50[Formula: see text]GeV, and a scenario where [Formula: see text] is 100[Formula: see text]GeV heavier than [Formula: see text]. The study follows the ATLAS object definitions and event selection criteria as detailed in Refs. 1 – 3 , and extends the analysis presented in Ref. 2 . Results are presented as projected exclusion limits in the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] mass planes for three center-of-mass energies (13, 13.6 and 14[Formula: see text]TeV) and three integrated luminosity scenarios (139, 300 and 3000[Formula: see text]fb[Formula: see text]). Depending on the [Formula: see text] mass assumption, sbottom masses up to 1.28[Formula: see text]TeV can be excluded at the HL-LHC with 3000[Formula: see text]fb[Formula: see text]. These projections highlight the impact of alternative mass configurations on the sensitivity of multi-lepton [Formula: see text] searches and provide guidance for future strategies targeting challenging SUSY scenarios at the LHC.