Combined Explanation of the $Z\to b\bar b$ Forward-Backward Asymmetry, the Cabibbo Angle Anomaly, $τ\toμνν$ and $b\to s\ell^+\ell^-$ Data

Abstract

In this article we propose a simple model which can provide a combined explanation of the $Z\to b\bar b$ forward-backward asymmetry, the Cabibbo Angle Anomaly (CAA), $τ\toμνν$ and $b\to s\ell^+\ell^-$ data. This model is obtained by extending the Standard Model (SM) by two heavy vector-like quarks (an $SU(2)_L$ doublet (singlet) with hypercharge $-5/6$ (-1/3)), two new scalars (a neutral and a singly charged one) and a gauged $L_μ-L_τ$ symmetry. The mixing of the new quarks with the SM ones, after electroweak symmetry breaking, does not only explain $Z\to b\bar b$ data but also generates a lepton flavour universal contribution to $b\to s\ell^+\ell^-$ transitions. Together with the lepton flavour universality violating effect, generated by loop-induced $Z^\prime$ penguins involving the charged scalar and the heavy quarks, it gives an excellent fit to data ($6.1\,σ$ better than the SM). Furthermore, the charged scalar (neutral vector) gives a necessarily constructive tree-level (loop) effect in $μ\to eνν$ ($τ\to μνν$), which can naturally account for the CAA (${\rm Br}[τ\toμνν]/{\rm Br}[τ\to eνν]$ and ${\rm Br}[τ\toμνν]/{\rm Br}[μ\to eνν]$).