Differential top quark cross section results from the ATLAS and CMS experiments

TL;DR

This paper summarizes recent differential top quark cross section measurements from ATLAS and CMS, comparing data with theory predictions and highlighting the need for higher-order calculations for better agreement.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive comparison of top quark production measurements with state-of-the-art theoretical predictions, emphasizing the importance of higher-order QCD calculations.

Findings

No theory model fits all data bins

Higher-order predictions improve data description

Differential measurements constrain Standard Model

Abstract

This report summarizes recent results of differential top quark cross section measurements performed by the ATLAS and CMS experiments. The $t\bar{t}$ process is studied as well as the production of single (anti-)top quarks and the interference with other Standard Model processes of the same final state. State-of-the-art theory predictions are compared to the data. No theory model is able to describe the data across all bins, but an improved description of the data when moving to predictions in higher orders in perturbative QCD can be observed.