Combined measurement of differential and total cross sections in the $H \rightarrow \gamma \gamma$ and the $H \rightarrow ZZ^* \rightarrow 4\ell$ decay channels at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV with the ATLAS detector

TL;DR

This paper reports a combined measurement of Higgs boson production cross sections in two decay channels at 13 TeV, using ATLAS data, providing results consistent with the Standard Model and detailed differential distributions.

Contribution

First combined measurement of Higgs cross sections in gamma gamma and ZZ* decay channels at 13 TeV with detailed differential analysis using ATLAS data.

Findings

Total cross section measured as 57.0 pb, consistent with Standard Model.

Differential distributions for Higgs transverse momentum and rapidity are provided.

Results from both decay channels are compatible and agree with theoretical predictions.

Abstract

A combined measurement of differential and inclusive total cross sections of Higgs boson production is performed using 36.1 fb$^{-1}$ of 13 TeV proton-proton collision data produced by the LHC and recorded by the ATLAS detector in 2015 and 2016. Cross sections are obtained from measured $H \rightarrow \gamma \gamma$ and $H \rightarrow ZZ^* \rightarrow 4\ell$ event yields, which are combined taking into account detector efficiencies, resolution, acceptances and branching fractions. The total Higgs boson production cross section is measured to be 57.0$^{+6.0}_{-5.9}$ (stat.) $^{+4.0}_{-3.3}$ (syst.) pb, in agreement with the Standard Model prediction. Differential cross-section measurements are presented for the Higgs boson transverse momentum distribution, Higgs boson rapidity, number of jets produced together with the Higgs boson, and the transverse momentum of the leading jet. The results from the two decay channels are found to be compatible, and their combination agrees with the Standard Model predictions.