Rescuing H -> bb in VBF at the LHC by requiring a central photon

TL;DR

This paper proposes using a central photon in vector-boson fusion Higgs production to improve measurements of the Higgs coupling to b quarks and W bosons at the LHC.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of requiring a high transverse momentum photon to enhance the detection of H->bb decays in VBF processes.

Findings

Enhanced sensitivity to Hbb coupling measurement.

Potential for improved HWW coupling determination.

Method could reduce background and increase signal clarity.

Abstract

The LHC potential for a measurement of the Higgs boson coupling to the b quark in the standard model is not well established yet. We show that requiring a large transverse momentum photon in the light Higgs boson production via vector-boson fusion (with subsequent H->bb decay) could provide a further handle on the Hbb coupling determination, and on the measurement of the HWW coupling as well.