The Physics Case for Extended Tevatron Running

TL;DR

Extending the Tevatron run until 2014 could significantly enhance physics discoveries, including probing the Higgs boson in the 115-150 GeV range, complementing LHC data.

Contribution

This paper argues for extending Tevatron operations to increase data, improving the potential for Higgs discovery and other physics insights beyond current projections.

Findings

Potential to double data set with extension to 2014

Enhanced sensitivity to Higgs boson in 115-150 GeV range

Complementary physics reach compared to LHC 7 TeV data

Abstract

Run II of the Tevatron collider at Fermilab is currently scheduled to end late in 2011. Given the current performance of the collider and of the CDF and D0 detectors, it is estimated that the current data set could be approximately doubled with a run extended into 2014. A few examples are presented of the physics potential of these additional statistics. These are discussed in the context of the expected reach of the LHC 7 TeV data and the existing Tevatron data. In particular, an extraordinary opportunity is described which could probe the existence of a standard model Higgs boson with mass in the currently preferred region between 115 GeV and 150 GeV.