Higher order constraints on the Higgs production rate from fixed-target DIS data

TL;DR

This paper examines how fixed-target DIS data constraints impact Higgs production rate predictions, highlighting potential issues in data analysis that could affect the estimated Higgs mass exclusion range.

Contribution

It identifies possible inconsistencies in fixed-target DIS data analysis affecting QCD fits and Higgs production predictions at colliders.

Findings

Potential problems in NMC data analysis affecting alpha_s(M_Z) and gluon distribution

Implications for Higgs production rate predictions at hadron colliders

Current Higgs mass exclusion ranges may be overestimated

Abstract

The constraints of fixed-target DIS data in fits of parton distributions including QCD corrections to next-to-next-to leading order are studied. We point out a potential problem in the analysis of the NMC data which can lead to inconsistencies in the extracted value for alpha_s(M_Z) and the gluon distribution at higher orders in QCD. The implications for predictions of rates for Standard Model Higgs boson production at hadron colliders are investigated. We conclude that the current range of excluded Higgs boson masses at the Tevatron appears to be much too large.