NNLO predictions for the Higgs boson signal in the H->WW->lnu lnu and H->ZZ->4l decay channels

TL;DR

This paper provides NNLO QCD predictions for Higgs boson production in specific decay channels, enhancing the precision of theoretical cross section calculations for LHC experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a new NNLO calculation for Higgs production in H->WW and H->ZZ channels, implemented in the HNNLO Monte Carlo program.

Findings

NNLO corrections significantly affect the predicted cross sections.

The program allows for flexible application of experimental cuts.

Results aid in optimizing Higgs search strategies at the LHC.

Abstract

We consider Standard Model Higgs boson production by gluon--gluon fusion in hadron collisions. We present a calculation of the next-to-next-to-leading order QCD corrections to the cross section in the H->WW->lnu lnu and H->ZZ->4l decay channels. The calculation is implemented in the parton level Monte Carlo program HNNLO and allows us to apply arbitrary cuts on the final state leptons and the associated jet activity. We present selected numerical results for the signal cross section at the LHC, by using all the nominal cuts proposed for the forthcoming Higgs boson search.