Novel method improves |Vcb| extraction precision and boosts H± search sensitivity in LHC experiments.
We present a novel method for measuring |Vcb| at the LHC using an advanced boosted-jet tagger to identify "$bc$ signatures". By associating boosted W → bc signals with $bc$-matched jets from top-quark decays, we enable an in-situ calibration of the tagger. This approach significantly suppresses backgrounds while reducing uncertainties in flavor tagging efficiencies -- key to improving measurement precision. Our study is enabled by the development of realistic, AI-based large- and small-radius taggers, Sophon and the newly introduced SophonAK4, validated to match ATLAS and CMS's state-of-the-art taggers. The method complements the conventional small radius jet approach and enables a ~30% improvement in |Vcb| precision under HL-LHC projections. As a byproduct, it enhances H± → bc search sensitivity by a factor of 2--5 over the recent ATLAS result based on Run 2 data. Our work offers a new perspective for the precision |Vcb| measurement and highlights the potential of using advanced tagging models to probe unexplored boosted regimes at the LHC.
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Zhao et al. (2025) studied this question.
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