Search for Standard Model Higgs in WH->lvbb at the Tevatron

TL;DR

This paper reports a search for the Standard Model Higgs boson produced with a W boson at the Tevatron, using advanced analysis techniques on 2.7 fb$^{-1}$ of data, setting upper limits on production rates.

Contribution

It introduces improved analysis methods, including neural networks and b-quark identification algorithms, to enhance Higgs search sensitivity at the Tevatron.

Findings

No significant Higgs signal observed

Upper limits set on Higgs production rates

Enhanced analysis techniques improved sensitivity

Abstract

We present a search for the Standard Model Higgs boson produced in association with a W boson in $p\bar{p}$ collisions at a center-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s} = 1.96$ TeV. The search is performed in the $WH\to \ell\nu b\bar{b}$ channel using 2.7 fb$^{-1}$ of data collected by both the CDF detector and by the $D\O$ detector, at the Fermilab Tevatron. The searches employ artificial neural network, matrix element and boosted decision tree techniques to improve the separation between signal and background. Additional techniques used to improve the Higgs sensitivity include the use of optimized b-quark jet energy corrections and improved algorithms for identifying b-quarks. In the absence of an observed excess in data, upper limits are set by both experiments on the Higgs production rate times branching ratio for a range of possible Higgs masses between 100 and 150 GeV.