Probing the L_μ-L_τ Gauge Boson at the MUonE Experiment

We discuss the prospects of probing the $L_\mu - L_\tau$ gauge boson at the MUonE experiment. The $L_\mu - L_\tau$ gauge boson $Z^\prime$ with a mass of $\lesssim 200$ MeV, which can explain the discrepancy between the measured value of the muon $g-2$ and the value calculated in the Standard Model, can be produced at the MUonE experiment through the process $\mu e \to \mu e Z^\prime$. The $Z^\prime$ in the final state decays into a pair of neutrinos, and therefore we cannot observe the decay of $Z^\prime$ directly. It is, however, still possible to probe this signature by searching for events with a large scattering angle of muon and a less energetic final-state electron. The background events coming from the elastic scattering $\mu e \to \mu e$ as well as radiative process $\mu e \to \mu e \gamma$ can be removed by the kinematical cuts on the muon scattering angle and the electron energy, in addition to a photon veto. The background events from the electroweak process $\mu e \to \mu e \nu \bar{\nu}$ are negligible. With our selection criteria, the number of signal events $\mu e \to \mu e Z^\prime$ is found to be as large as $\sim 10^3$ in the parameter region motivated by the muon $g-2$ discrepancy. It is, therefore, quite feasible to probe the $L_\mu - L_\tau$ gauge boson at the MUonE experiment -- without introducing additional devices -- and we strongly recommend recording the events relevant to this $Z^\prime$ production process.