Implications for e+e-physics and for dilepton production in pp, pp collisions if a light neutral gauge boson exists

Abstract

A recently discussed class of gauge models of weak and electromagnetic interactions allows the possibility of a light neutral gauge boson, with mass in the PETRA-PEP energy range. The consequences of such a light gauge boson are investigated for the reactions e+e- to mu + mu -(e+e-). Predictions for the total cross sections and charge asymmetries are presented, covering the energy ranges of DORIS-SPEAR and PETRA-PEP. Curves are also presented for massive muon pair production cross sections in proton-proton and proton-antiproton collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 60 GeV and 200 GeV.