The Top-Quark Width in the Light of $Z$-Boson Physics

Abstract

We discuss possible non-standard contributions to the top-quark width, particularly the virtual effects on the standard decay $t\rightarrow W^+\,b$ within the context of the MSSM. We also place a renewed emphasis on the unconventional mode $t\rightarrow H^+\,b$ in the light of recent analyses of $Z$-boson observables. It turns out that in the region of parameter space highlighted by $Z$-boson physics, the charged Higgs mode should exhibite an appreciable branching fraction as compared to the standard decay of the top quark. Remarkably enough, the corresponding quantum effects in this region are also rather large, slowly decoupling, and most likely resolvable in the next generation of experiments at Tevatron and at LHC.Comment: One new figure added, with supplementary comments. 17 pages, LaTeX, 2 figures included via psbox. A postcript version can be obtained from anonymous ftp at ftp://ftp.ifae.es/preprint/ft/uabft372.ps Talk presented at the Workshop on Physics of the Top Quark, Iowa State University, May 199