Precision Measurements of the W-Boson Mass

TL;DR

This paper reviews the experimental techniques for measuring the W-boson mass with high precision, discusses their combination, and explores implications for testing the Standard Model and constraining the Higgs boson mass.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of methods for precise W-boson mass measurement and their role in testing the Standard Model and constraining fundamental parameters.

Findings

Combined measurement of M_W with high precision

Constraints on Higgs boson mass from M_W measurements

Discussion of future prospects for W-boson mass precision

Abstract

The Standard Model of electroweak interactions has had great success in describing the observed data over the last three decades. The precision of experimental measurements affords tests of the Standard Model at the quantum loop level beyond leading order. Despite this great success it is important to continue confronting experimental measurements with the Standard Model predictions as any deviation would signal new physics. As a fundamental parameter of the Standard Model, the mass of the W-boson, M_W, is of particular importance. Aside from being an important test of the SM itself, a precision measurement of M_W can be used to constrain the mass of the Higgs boson, M_H. In this article we review the principal experimental techniques for determining M_W and discuss their combination into a single precision M_W measurement, which is then used to yield constraints on M_H. We conclude by briefly discussing future prospects for precision measurements of the W-boson mass.