A search for high-mass resonances decaying to τ +τ − √ in pp collisions at s = 7 TeV with the ATLAS detector

Abstract

This Letter presents a search for high-mass resonances decaying into τ +τ − final states using proton– proton collisions at √s = 7 TeV produced by the Large Hadron Collider. The data were recorded with the ATLAS detector and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 4.6 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' resonances decaying into τ +τ − pairs as a function of the resonance mass. As a result, Z' bosons of the Sequential Standard Model with masses less than 1.40 TeV are excluded at 95% credibility.