Possiblev-Quark Signatures ate+e−Colliders

Abstract

We describe distinctive signatures of a possible fourth-generation charge - frac13; quark $v$ (assumed lighter than the $t$ quark) arising from $e^{+}{e}^{-}\to v\overline{v}$ production, especially at the $Z^0$ resonance. We emphasize the special charm and topological characteristics expected from $v$-quark cascade decays and the possibility of $v\to b+\mathrm{gluon}$ decays by an effective flavor-changing neutral current.