Search for pair-produced vector-like leptons in final states with third-generation leptons and at least three b quark jets in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

The first search is presented for vector-like leptons (VLLs) in the context of the "4321 model", an ultraviolet-complete model with the potential to explain existing B physics measurements that are in tension with standard model predictions. The analyzed data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 96.5 fb$^{-1}$, were recorded in 2017 and 2018 with the CMS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV. Final states with ${\geq}$ 3 b-tagged jets and two third-generation leptons ($\tau\tau$, $\tau\nu_\tau$, or $\nu_\tau\nu_\tau$) are considered. Upper limits are derived on the VLL production cross section in the VLL mass range 500-1050 GeV. The maximum likelihood fit prefers the presence of signal at the level of 2.8 standard deviations, for a representative VLL mass point of 600 GeV. As a consequence, the observed upper limits are approximately double the expected limits.