Factorization and NNLL Resummation for Higgs Production with a Jet Veto

TL;DR

This paper develops a new theoretical framework using effective field theory to accurately predict Higgs production rates with jet vetoes at the LHC, enabling systematic resummation of large logarithms beyond leading order.

Contribution

It derives the first all-order factorization theorem for Higgs production with a jet veto, including the effects of a collinear anomaly, and provides NNLL resummed predictions.

Findings

First all-order factorization theorem for Higgs with jet veto

Resummed cross section predictions at NNLL order

Implications for Higgs searches at the LHC

Abstract

Using methods of effective field theory, we derive the first all-order factorization theorem for the Higgs-boson production cross section with a jet veto, imposed by means of a standard sequential recombination jet algorithm. Like in the case of small-q_T resummation in Drell-Yan and Higgs production, the factorization is affected by a collinear anomaly. Our analysis provides the basis for a systematic resummation of large logarithms log(m_H/p_T^veto) beyond leading-logarithmic order. Specifically, we present predictions for the resummed jet-veto cross section and efficiency at next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic order. Our results have important implications for Higgs-boson searches at the LHC, where a jet veto is required to suppress background events.