Search for a vector-like quark T decaying to bW, tZ, tH in the single lepton final state at the HL-LHC

A simulation-based projection study is presented for a search for a vector-like top quark partner T in proton-proton (pp) collisions at ${\sqrt{\text{s}}}$ = 14 TeV. The search considers the operational conditions of the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC). The production ${\text{pp} \rightarrow \text{T}\bar{\text{T}}}$ is followed by the decays ${\text{T} \rightarrow \text{bW}}$, ${\text{T} \rightarrow \text{tH}}$, and ${\text{T} \rightarrow \text{tZ}}$ with equal branching fractions of 1/3. Events with one electron or muon, missing transverse momentum and jets are considered. For an integrated luminosity of 3000 fb$^{-1}$, the search projects to exclude a T mass below 1750 GeV at the $95\%$ confidence level assuming equal branching fractions for ${\text{T}\rightarrow \text{bW}/\text{tH}/\text{tZ}}$. Conversely, a T quark with mass up to 1440 GeV can be discovered at the HL-LHC with a significance of five standard deviations.