e+e-→Z0Z0→b(b)over-bar-c(c)over-bar events as model independent probe of colour reconnection effects

According to the basic properties of QCD, colour reconnection effects can occur in hadronic processes at high energies. The comparison of e(+)e(-) --> Z(0)Z(0) --> q (q) over bar q'<(q')over bar> events with the superposition of Z(0) --> q (q) over bar and Z(0) --> q'<(q')over bar> events from LEP1 would provide an unambiguous model-independent probe. We show that at LEP2 energy, the background processes are negligible if we select only e(+)e(-) --> Z(0)Z(0) --> b (b) over bar c (c) over bar events; and limit the measurements in the phase space of on-shell Z(0)Z(0) events. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.