Window on Higgs Boson: Fourth Generation b′ Decays Revisited

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Direct and indirect searches of the Higgs boson suggest that 113 GeV mₕ 170 GeV is likely. With the LEP era over and the Tevatron Run II search via p p → WH+X arduous, we revisit a case where WH or ZH + jets could arise via strong b′ b′ pair production. In contrast to 10 years ago, the tight electroweak constraint on t′--b′ (hence t′--t) splitting reduces FCNC b′→ bZ, bH rates, making b′→ cW naturally competitive. Such a "cocktail solution" is precisely the mix that could evade the CDF search for b′→ bZ, and the b′ may well be lurking below the top. In light of the Higgs program, this two-in-one strategy should be pursued.