Abstract
We point out that the ratio of W+W-→W+W- and W+W-→ZZ cross sections is a sensitive probe of the dynamics of electroweak symmetry breaking, in the c.m. energy region sWW 1 TeV where vector boson scattering may well become strong. We suggest ways in which this ratio can be extracted at a 1.5 TeV e+e- linear collider, using W±,Z→jj hadronic decays and relying on dijet mass resolution to provid statistical discrimination between W± and Z. WW fusion processes studied here are unique for exploring scalar resonances of mass of about 1 TeV and are complementary to studies via the direct channel e+e-→W+W- for the vector and nonresonant cases. With an integrated luminosity of 200 fb-1, the signals obtained are statistically significant. A comparision with a study of the e-e-→ννW-W- process is made. Enhancements of the signal rate from using a polarized electron beam, or at a 2 TeV e+e- linear colider and possible higher energy μ+μ- colliders, are also presented. © 1995 The American Physical Society.