A search for high-mass resonances decaying to τ+τ− in pp collisions at √s = 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

Abstract

A search for high-mass resonances decaying into + − final states using protonproton collisions at √s = 8TeV produced by the Large Hadron Collider is presented. The data were recorded with the ATLAS detector and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 19.5–20.3 fb−1. No statistically significant excess above the Standard Model expectation is observed; 95% credibility upper limits are set on the cross section times branching fraction of Z0 resonances decaying into τ+τ− pairs as a function of the resonance mass. As a result, Z0 bosons of the Sequential Standard Model with masses less than 2.02TeV are excluded at 95% credibility. The impact of the fermionic couplings on the Z0 acceptance is investigated and limits are also placed on a Z0 model that exhibits enhanced couplings to third-generation fermions.