Preparations for Measurement of the W and Z Production Cross-Sections with Early CMS Data

TL;DR

This paper outlines the CMS strategy for early LHC data to measure W and Z boson production cross-sections via electron decay modes, emphasizing robust methods suitable for initial data analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a data-driven analysis approach tailored for early LHC data to accurately measure W and Z production cross-sections.

Findings

Feasibility of measuring W and Z cross-sections with 10 pb^{-1}

Use of robust, data-driven selection methods

Expected early measurement results

Abstract

The CMS analysis strategy for the early data measurement of the inclusive W and Z production cross-sections using their electron decay modes is presented. This measurement is expected to be among the first from the LHC and so appropriately robust selections and data-driven methods are used. A significant measurement is possible with an integrated luminosity of 10 inverse pb.