$A^t_{FB}$ Meets LHC

Understand

The recent Tevatron measurement of the forward-backward asymmetry of the top quark shows an intriguing discrepancy with Standard Model expectations, particularly at large $\ttbar$ invariant masses.

• Measurements of this quantity are subtle at the LHC, due to its $pp$ initial state, however, one can define a forward-central-charge asymmetry which captures the physics.
• We study the capability of the LHC to measure this asymmetry and find that within the SM a measurement at the $5\sigma$ level is possible with roughly 60 fb$^{-1}$ at $\sqrt{s} = 14$ TeV.
• If nature realizes a model which enhances the asymmetry (as is necessary to explain the Tevatron measurements), a significant difference from zero can be observed much earlier, perhaps even during early LHC running at $\sqrt{s} = 7$ TeV.