Search for the Standard Model Higgs Boson Produced in Association with a $Z$ Boson in $p\bar{p}$ Collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 1.96$ TeV

TL;DR

This paper reports a search for the Standard Model Higgs boson produced with a Z boson in proton-antiproton collisions, employing advanced multivariate techniques to improve sensitivity, but finds no significant signal and sets upper limits on production cross sections.

Contribution

Introduction of novel multivariate methods to enhance Higgs search sensitivity in ZH production at the Tevatron.

Findings

No significant Higgs signal observed

Limits set at 4.8 times the Standard Model prediction for 115 GeV/c^2 mass

Enhanced analysis sensitivity through advanced multivariate techniques

Abstract

We present a search for the standard model Higgs boson produced in association with a $Z$ boson, using up to 7.9 fb$^{-1}$ of integrated luminosity from $p\bar{p}$ collisions collected with the CDF II detector. We utilize several novel techniques, including multivariate lepton selection, multivariate trigger parametrization, and a multi-stage signal discriminant consisting of specialized functions trained to distinguish individual backgrounds. By increasing acceptance and enhancing signal discrimination, these techniques have significantly improved the sensitivity of the analysis above what was expected from a larger dataset alone. We observe no significant evidence for a signal, and we set limits on the $ZH$ production cross section. For a Higgs boson with mass 115 GeV/$c^2$, we expect (observe) a limit of 3.9 (4.8) times the standard model predicted value, at the 95% credibility level.