R. Gauld

An explicit Z′-boson explanation of the B → K∗μ+μ− anomaly

A bstractA global fit to the recent B → K∗μ+μ− data shows indications for a large new-physics contribution to the Wilson coefficient of the semi-leptonic vector operator. In this article we consider a simple Z′-boson model of 3-3-1 type that can accommodate such an effect without violating any other constraint from quark-flavour physics. Implications for yet unobserved decay modes such as B → Xsν

Feasibility of top quark measurements at LHCb and constraints on the large-x gluon PDF

\overline{v}

Leptonic W± boson asymmetry in association with jets at LHCb and parton distribution function constraints at large x

and longstanding puzzles like B → πK are also discussed. The Z′-boson masses required to address the observed anomaly lie in the range of 7 TeV. Such heavy Z′ bosons evade the existing bounds from precision data and direct searches, and will remain difficult to discover even at a high-luminosity LHC. The potential of an ILC as well as the next generation of low-energy parity-violation experiments in constraining the Z′-boson parameter space is also examined.

Forward

A bstractThe forward LHCb acceptance opens interesting possibilities of studying precision Standard Model hard processes in a kinematical region beyond the reach of ATLAS and CMS. In this paper we perform a feasibility study for cross-section measurements of top quark pairs with the LHCb detector, with an analysis of signal and background rates for selected final states, and determine the potential precision achievable at

D

\sqrt{s}

predictions for

= 7 and 14 TeV. We then study the dependence of theoretical uncertainties on the pseudorapidity distribution of top quarks produced in pair production at NLO, and observe that a cross-section measurement at high pseudorapidity has enhanced sensitivity to probe the high-x gluon PDF as compared to measurements in the central-region. Based on simulated pseudodata, the impact of a 14 TeV cross-section measurement on the gluon PDF and charge asymmetry is quantified.

p\rm Pb

The unique forward LHCb acceptance opens the possibility for performing precision Standard Model (SM) processes in a kinematical regime beyond the reach of both ATLAS and CMS experiments. In this article we discuss the feasibility of performing

collisions, and sensitivity to cold nuclear matter effects

W^{\pm}j

Leptonic top-quark asymmetry predictions at LHCb

measurements with 14 TeV LHCb data, and find that the leptonic asymmetry at high pseudorapidity, with appropriate cuts on the associated jet, can provide a factor of three reduction on the

Beauty-quark and charm-quark pair production asymmetries at LHCb

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