Simulation of the process e+e−→W+W− with the heavy right-handed neutrino exchange at 1 TeV future lepton colliders

Abstract

We study potential contribution of the heavy right-handed neutrino exchange in the process e+e−→W+W−. This process is sensitive to heavy neutrinos with masses larger than s. The Monte Carlo simulation of the studied process is performed assuming the seesaw type-I model, where heavy right-handed neutrinos (heavy neutral leptons, HNLs) are introduced in the leptonic sector. Within the Standard Model (SM), the process has a large cross section described by diagrams with s-channel Z/γ exchange and t-channel active neutrino exchange. Respectively, the t-channel right-handed neutrino exchange amplitude will interfere with these SM amplitudes. However, the angular distributions of the W boson production and decay are different for the right-handed neutrino and SM amplitudes. That can be used to evaluate potential HNL contribution using the extended likelihood method. The simulation of the e+e−→W+W− process is performed at the 1 TeV center-of-mass energy and polarization Pe+e− of (20%, −80%), which is a standard option for the future linear e+e− International Linear Collider. Both W bosons are reconstructed from two hadronic jets. Simulation of the SM background processes is also done. The beam-induced backgrounds and the initial state radiation effects are taken into account. The majority of background processes are effectively suppressed by the cuts on the invariant masses of two and four jets. Finally, we obtain upper limits on the mixing parameter |VeN|2 as a function of M(N). Published by the American Physical Society 2025