Step: a tool to perform tests of smoothness on differential distributions based on expansion of polynomials

TL;DR

This paper introduces a polynomial fitting method to test the smoothness of differential distributions, demonstrated on jet cross section measurements at Tevatron and LHC, aiding the validation of physics analyses.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel polynomial expansion technique for assessing the smoothness of differential distributions in high-energy physics data.

Findings

Effective in identifying deviations from smoothness

Applicable to various measurements at Tevatron and LHC

Enhances validation of physics quantities like the strong coupling

Abstract

We motivate and describe a method based on fits with polynomials to test the smoothness of differential distributions. As a demonstration, we apply the method to several measurements of inclusive jet double-differential cross section in the jet transverse momentum and rapidity at the Tevatron and LHC. This method opens new possibilities to test the quality of differential distributions used for the extraction of physics quantities such as the strong coupling.