Probe of the Wtb coupling in $t \bar{t}$ pair production at linear colliders

Abstract.

The Wtb vertex can be probed on future colliders in the processes of single top production (LHC, pp mode, NLC, $\gamma e$ mode) and of top pair production (NLC, $e^+ e^-$ mode). We analyze observables sensitive to anomalous Wtb couplings in the top pair production process of $e^+ e^-$ collisions. In particular, forward–backward and spin–spin asymmetries of the top decay products and the asymmetry of the lepton energy spectrum are considered. Possible bounds on anomalous couplings obtained are competitive to those expected from the upgraded Tevatron and LHC. The validity of the infinitely small width approximation for the three-body top decay is also studied in detail.