Extending the MINLO method

TL;DR

This paper proposes a numerical extension to the MINLO' method, improving NLO accuracy in complex Higgs-plus-jet simulations without requiring explicit resummation inputs.

Contribution

We develop a numerical approximation to extend the MINLO' method, enabling NLO accuracy for multiple observables in complex processes like Higgs-plus-two-jet production.

Findings

Feasibility of the numerical MINLO' extension demonstrated.

Potential to achieve NLO accuracy for inclusive Higgs and jet observables.

Method applicable to more complex processes beyond current analytic approaches.

Abstract

We consider improving POWHEG+MINLO simulations, so as to also render them NLO accurate in the description of observables receiving contributions from events with lower parton multiplicity than present in their underlying NLO calculation. On a conceptual level we follow the strategy of the so-called MINLO' programs. Whereas the existing MINLO' framework requires explicit analytic input from higher order resummation, here we derive an effective numerical approximation to these ingredients, by imposing unitarity. This offers a way of extending the MINLO' method to more complex processes, complementary to the known route which uses explicit computations of high-accuracy resummation inputs. Specifically, we have focused on Higgs-plus-two-jet production (HJJ) and related processes. We also consider how one can cover three units of multiplicity at NLO accuracy, i.e. we consider how the HJJ-MINLO simulation may yield NLO accuracy for inclusive H, HJ, and HJJ quantities. We perform a feasibility study assessing the potential of these ideas.