A wide scalar neutrino resonance and b\bar{b} production at LEP

Abstract

In supersymmetric models with R-parity violation, scalar neutrinos may be produced as s-channel resonances in e^+e^- colliders. We note that within current constraints, the scalar neutrino may have a width of several GeV into b\bar{b} and be produced with large cross section, leading to a novel supersymmetry discovery signal at LEP II. In addition, if the scalar neutrino mass approximately equals m_Z, such a resonance necessarily increases R_b and reduces A_{FB}(b), significantly improving the fit to electroweak data. Bounds from B meson and top quark decays are leading constraints, and we stress the importance of future measurements.

8 pages. LaTex + RevTex. Revised to include a discussion of ISR effects. Version to appear in Phys. Rev. Lett