The correlation matrix of Higgs rates at the LHC

TL;DR

This paper derives the full covariance matrix of Higgs boson decay rates and cross sections at the LHC from basic uncertainties, aiding more accurate global fits of Higgs properties.

Contribution

It presents a method to determine the complete correlation matrix of Higgs rates directly from elementary uncertainties, enhancing the precision of Higgs property analyses.

Findings

Full covariance matrix calculated for Higgs rates at multiple energies.

Impact demonstrated on global fits of Higgs data.

Provides ancillary data files with the covariance matrix.

Abstract

The imperfect knowledge of the Higgs boson decay rates and cross sections at the LHC constitutes a critical systematic uncertainty in the study of the Higgs boson properties. We show that the full covariance matrix between the Higgs rates can be determined from the most elementary sources of uncertainty by a direct application of probability theory. We evaluate the error magnitudes and full correlation matrix on the set of Higgs cross sections and branching ratios at $\sqrt{s}=7$, $8$, $13$ and $14$ TeV, which are provided in ancillary files. The impact of this correlation matrix on the global fits is illustrated with the latest $7$+$8$ TeV Higgs dataset.