Abstract
| The first search for a heavy neutral spin-1 gauge boson ($\mathrm{Z'}$) produced via vector boson fusion processes is presented. The analysis considers scenarios in which the $\mathrm{Z'}$ boson has non-universal fermion couplings, favoring higher-generation fermions. This offers a new physics phase space not yet fully explored at the LHC. The analysis is performed using LHC data at $\sqrt{s}=13~\mathrm{TeV}$, collected from 2016 to 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $138~\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$. The data are consistent with the standard model expectation. Upper limits are set on the product of the $\mathrm{Z'}$ cross section and the branching fraction for a $\mathrm{Z'}$ boson decaying to $\tau\tau$ or $\mathrm{WW}$. Masses below $2.45~\mathrm{TeV}$ are excluded, depending on the $\mathrm{Z'}$ coupling to weak bosons. |