A search for high-mass resonances decaying to \(\tau^{+}\tau^{-}\) in \(pp\) collisions at \(\sqrt{s}=8\) TeV with the ATLAS detector

Abstract

A search for high-mass resonances decaying into \(\tau^{+}\tau^{-}\) final states using proton-proton collisions at \(\sqrt{s}= 8\) TeV 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 \(Z^{\prime}\) resonances decaying into \(\tau^+\tau^-\) pairs as a function of the resonance mass. As a result, \(Z^{\prime}\) bosons of the Sequential Standard Model with masses less than 2.02 TeV are excluded at 95% credibility. The impact of the fermionic couplings on the \(Z^{\prime}\) acceptance is investigated and limits are also placed on a \(Z^{\prime}\) model that exhibits enhanced couplings to third-generation fermions.