Fourth-generation quark mass limits in CKM-element space

Abstract

We present a reanalysis of CDF data to extend limits on individual fourth-generation quark masses from particular flavor-mixing rates to the entire space of possible mixing values. Measurements from CDF have set individual limits on masses, $m_{b'}$ and $m_{t'}$, at the level of $335$--$385$ GeV assuming specific and favorable flavor-mixing rates. We consider the space of possible values for the mixing rates and find that the CDF data imply limits of $290$ GeV and greater over a wide range of mixing scenarios. We also analyze the limits from the perspective of a four-generation CKM matrix. We find that present experimental constraints on CKM elements do not suggest further constraints on fourth-generation quark masses.