Comparison of the Z/gamma* + jets to gamma + jets cross sections in pp collisions at sqrt(s) = 8 TeV

TL;DR

This paper compares the differential cross sections of Z/gamma* + jets and photon + jets processes in proton-proton collisions at 8 TeV, providing detailed measurements and comparisons to QCD simulations to enhance understanding of these interactions.

Contribution

It presents the first detailed differential cross section measurements for Z/gamma* + jets and photon + jets at 8 TeV, including ratios and jet multiplicity dependencies, corrected for detector effects.

Findings

Measured differential cross sections as functions of pt and jet multiplicity.

Provided ratios of Z/gamma* to gamma cross sections as functions of various kinematic variables.

Data agree with several QCD-based simulation models within uncertainties.

Abstract

A comparison of the differential cross sections for the processes Z/gamma* + jets and photon (gamma) + jets is presented. The measurements are based on data collected with the CMS detector at sqrt(s) = 8 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 inverse femtobarns. The differential cross sections and their ratios are presented as functions of pt. The measurements are also shown as functions of the jet multiplicity. Differential cross sections are obtained as functions of the ratio of the Z/gamma* pt to the sum of all jet transverse momenta and of the ratio of the Z/gamma* pt to the leading jet transverse momentum. The data are corrected for detector effects and are compared to simulations based on several QCD calculations.