\Delta M_W < 10 MeV/c^2 at the LHC: a forlorn hope?

TL;DR

Achieving a 10 MeV/c^2 precision in W mass measurement at the LHC is highly challenging due to uncertainties in parton density functions, requiring new strategies and more precise PDFs.

Contribution

The paper highlights the limitations of current analysis strategies for W mass measurement at the LHC and proposes the need for improved PDFs and tailored analysis methods.

Findings

Current strategies are inadequate for 10 MeV/c^2 precision

More precise parton density functions are necessary

LHC-specific analysis strategies are recommended

Abstract

At the LHC, the measurement of the W mass with a precision of \cal{O}(10) MeV/c^2 is both mandatory and difficult. In the analysis strategies proposed so far, shortcuts have been made that are justified for proton-antiproton collisions at the Tevatron, but not for proton-proton collisions at the LHC. The root of the problem lies in the inadequate knowledge of parton density functions of the proton. It is argued that in order to reach a 10 MeV/c^2 precision for the W mass, more precise parton density functions of the proton are needed, and an LHC-specific analysis strategy ought to be pursued. Proposals are made on both issues.