ECOF Prediction: Z→ττ Forward-Backward Asymmetry Drift with LHC Operational Parameters

Abstract The Energy-Consciousness Observer Framework (ECOF) predicts that observer-field coupling may depend on local coherence gradients in the laboratory environment. If present, this coupling should manifest as correlated variations in electroweak observables with LHC operational parameters. We predict that the forward-backward asymmetry (AFB) in Z→τ⁺τ⁻ events will exhibit a systematic drift of 0. 4% ± 0. 15% across Run 3 fills, correlating with beam crossing angle variations (slope = 0. 002 per mrad). This prediction tests ECOF's coherence-gradient hypothesis in a high-statistics leptonic channel where Standard Model predictions are precisely known. The effect should disappear under time-scrambling (randomizing fill order) and should be absent in control channels (e⁺e⁻, μ⁺μ⁻). This represents the first prediction of operational-parameter-dependent quantum coupling effects at a particle collider.