A Boost to $h \to Z \gamma$: from LHC to Future $e^+ e^-$ Colliders

TL;DR

This paper explores how associated Higgs production with a jet can improve the measurement of the rare decay $h o Z \gamma$ at the LHC and future colliders, and discusses implications for new physics.

Contribution

It proposes a novel strategy using Higgs plus jet production to enhance $h o Z \gamma$ measurement sensitivity at colliders.

Findings

Associated Higgs plus jet production improves measurement prospects.

Future $e^+ e^-$ colliders can achieve higher precision.

Implications for new physics from precise $h o Z \\gamma$ measurements.

Abstract

A precise measurement of the Higgs $h \to Z \gamma$ decay is very challenging at the LHC, due to the very low %SM $h \to Z \gamma\, (Z \to \ell \ell)$ branching fraction and the shortage of kinematic handles to suppress the large SM $Z \gamma$ background. We show how such a measurement would be significantly improved by considering Higgs production in association with a hard jet. We compare the prospective HL-LHC sensitivity in this channel with other Higgs production modes where $h$ is fairly boosted, e.g.~weak boson fusion, and also to the potential $h \to Z \gamma$ measurement achievable with a future $e^{+}e^{-}$ circular collider ({\sl fcc-ee}). Finally, we discuss new physics implications of a precision measurement of $h \to Z \gamma$.