HiggsBounds: Confronting arbitrary Higgs sectors with exclusion bounds from LEP and Tevatron

TL;DR

HiggsBounds is a computational tool that evaluates whether arbitrary Higgs sector models are excluded by existing LEP and Tevatron search bounds, aiding model testing against experimental constraints.

Contribution

It provides a flexible, automated way to confront diverse Higgs sector predictions with current experimental exclusion limits.

Findings

Identifies excluded parameter space points at 95% CL

Integrates latest Higgs search results for updated constraints

Supports various Higgs model predictions

Abstract

HiggsBounds is a computer code which tests the Higgs sectors of new models against the current exclusion bounds from the Higgs searches at LEP and the Tevatron. As input, it requires a selection of model predictions, such as Higgs masses, branching ratios, effective couplings and total decay widths. HiggsBounds then uses the expected and observed topological cross section limits from the Higgs searches to determine which points in the parameter space have already been excluded at 95% CL. HiggsBounds will be updated to include new results as they become available.