Search for high-mass resonances decaying into τ -lepton pairs in pp collisions at √s = 7 TeV

Abstract

A search for high-mass resonances decaying into τ +τ − is performed using a data sample of pp collisions at √s = 7 TeV. The data were collected with the CMS detector at the LHC and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 4.9 fb−1. The number of observed events is in agreement with the standard model prediction. An upper limit on the product of the resonance cross section and branching fraction into τ -lepton pairs is calculated as a function of the resonance mass. Using the sequential standard model resonance Z SSM and the superstring-inspired E6 model with resonance Z ψ as benchmarks, resonances with standard model couplings with masses below 1.4 and 1.1 TeV, respectively, are excluded at 95% confidence level.