ECOF Prediction: Observable Flavor-Changing Neutral Current Top Decays

Abstract The Energy-Consciousness Observer Framework (ECOF) predicts that flavor-changing neutral current (FCNC) processes, while forbidden at tree level in the Standard Model, should be observable at the LHC due to observer-field coupling effects. This paper presents a timestamped, falsifiable prediction: ATLAS and CMS Run 3 searches for the top quark decay t→qH (where q = c or u) should observe a measurable signal with branching ratio BR(t→cH) ≈ (3.0 ± 1.5) × 10⁻⁵ and BR(t→uH) ≈ (0.5 ± 0.3) × 10⁻⁵. The Standard Model predicts BR(t→qH) < 10⁻¹⁵ via loop-suppressed diagrams, making this a binary test: either FCNC top decays are observable (supporting ECOF) or they are not (falsifying ECOF). The prediction arises from ECOF's mechanism for generating effective FCNC couplings through observer-field interactions, scaled by quark mass hierarchies. Current experimental upper limits are BR(t→cH) < 1.1 × 10⁻³ and BR(t→uH) < 1.2 × 10⁻³ (95% CL), leaving substantial discovery space. We specify experimental signatures, falsification criteria, and methods to distinguish ECOF-induced FCNC from other beyond-SM mechanisms.