Search for Standard Model Higgs Boson in H to WW Channel at CDF

TL;DR

This paper reports a search for the Standard Model Higgs boson decaying to WW in dilepton final states using CDF II data, employing multivariate techniques to optimize sensitivity across different jet categories and production modes.

Contribution

It introduces an optimized multivariate analysis approach for Higgs to WW searches at CDF, considering all production modes and including same-sign dilepton events to improve sensitivity.

Findings

Set cross section limits for Higgs masses between 110 and 200 GeV/c^2.

Enhanced sensitivity by optimizing discriminants for different jet multiplicities.

Included analysis of same-sign dilepton events to capture additional signals.

Abstract

We present a search for standard model Higgs boson to WW(*) production in dilepton plus missing transverse energy final states in data collected by the CDF II detector corresponding to 4.8/fb of integrated luminosity. To maximize sensitivity, the multivariate discriminants used to separate signal from background in the opposite-sign dilepton event sample are independently optimized for final states with zero, one, or two or more identified jets. All significant Higgs boson production modes (gluon fusion, associated production with either a W or Z boson, and vector boson fusion) are considered in determining potential signal contributions. We also incorporate a separate analysis of the same-sign dilepton event sample which potentially contains additional signal events originating from associated Higgs boson production mechanisms. Cross section limits relative to the combined SM predictions are presented for a range of Higgs boson mass hypotheses between 110 and 200 GeV/c^2.