Search for a new $Z'$ gauge boson via the $pp$ → $W$± (*) → $Z'μ$ ± $ν$ → $μ$ ± $μ$ ∓ $μ$ ± $ν$ process in $pp$ collisions at √s = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector
A search for a new Z' gauge boson predicted by L μ –L τ models, based on charged-current Drell-Yan production, pp → W ±(*) → Z'μ ± ν → μ ± μ ∓ μ ± ν, is presented. The data sample used corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 140 fb –1 of proton-proton collisions at √s = 13 TeV recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The search examines a final state of 3μ plus large missing transverse momentum. Upper limits are set on the Z' production cross-section times branching ratio in the mass range of 5-81 GeV. After combining with the previous Z' search using the neutral-current Drell-Yan production with a 4μ final state, the most stringent exclusion limits to date are achieved in the parameter space of the Z' coupling strength and mass.