English

Probing Yoctosecond Quantum Dynamics in Toponium Formation at Colliders

High Energy Physics - Phenomenology 2025-07-24 v2 High Energy Physics - Experiment Quantum Physics

Abstract

The formation of toponium, a bound state of top and anti-top quarks, provides an unprecedented system for investigating quantum state dynamics at ultrashort timescales. We explore two distinct phenomenological descriptions of this process: a 'wavelike' scenario emphasizing the role of quantum superposition at creation, and a 'particlelike' scenario where a finite formation time is governed by relativistic causality. Both descriptions are compatible with the principles of relativistic quantum field theory. We propose to distinguish these scenarios by exploiting the top quark's intrinsic lifetime (τt5.02×1025\tau_t \sim 5.02 \times 10^{-25}\,s) as a quantum chronometer. We simulate the cross-section ratio Rb=σ(e+ebbˉ)/qσ(e+eqqˉ)R_b = \sigma(e^+e^- \to b\bar{b})/\sum_q \sigma(e^+e^- \to q\bar{q}) (q=u,d,s,c,bq = u,d,s,c,b) near s=343\sqrt{s} = 343\,GeV at future lepton colliders (CEPC/FCC-ee). These distinct scenarios yield observable RbR_b profiles, enabling >5σ>5\sigma discrimination with 1500\,fb1^{-1} of data. Preliminary LHC data provide independent 22--3σ3\sigma support. This framework establishes a collider-based method to explore time-dependent quantum phenomena in particle production with yoctosecond (102410^{-24}\,s) resolution.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2507.05703,
  title  = {Probing Yoctosecond Quantum Dynamics in Toponium Formation at Colliders},
  author = {Chang Xiong and Yu-Jie Zhang},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2507.05703},
  year   = {2025}
}

Comments

Add 1 figure. New title. Minor corrections and updated references

R2 v1 2026-07-01T03:50:52.177Z