Mass bounds for triplet scalars of the left-right symmetric model and their future detection prospects

The standard formulation of the left-right symmetric model involves scalars transforming as a triplet under SU(2)(L). This multiplet contains particles which are uncharged, singly charged, and doubly charged. We derive a bound on the uncharged scalar mass of 55.4 GeV using results from CERN LEP-II and find that a range up to 110 GeV may be explored at the NLC at the 5 sigma level. We also discuss search strategies for the singly and doubly charged scalars at the Fermilab Tevatron and the CERN LHC. Possible standard model backgrounds for the relevant modes are estimated and compared with the signal. At the LHC, the prospects of detecting the doubly charged scalar are bright up to a mass of 850 GeV while the 5 sigma discovery limit of the singly charged mode extends to 240 GeV for an integrated luminosity of 100 fb(-1). At the Tevatron, with an integrated luminosity of 25 fb(-1), the doubly charged state can be detected if its mass is less than 275 GeV while the reach for the singly charged scalar is 140 GeV.