Search for the Standard Model Higgs Boson at LEP

TL;DR

This paper reports on the LEP experiments' search for the Standard Model Higgs Boson, analyzing data collected at energies above 206 GeV, setting lower mass limits and observing potential candidates but not confirming discovery.

Contribution

It presents the combined analysis of data from four collaborations at LEP, setting new limits on the Higgs boson mass and reporting candidate events.

Findings

Higgs boson mass below 114.4 GeV excluded at 95% CL

Candidates observed with excess over background

Data collected at energies ≥ 206 GeV

Abstract

One of the missions of the LEP program was the search for the Standard Model Higgs Boson. The skillful operation of the machine in the year 2000, the final year of operation, has allowed the four collaborations ALEPH, DELPHI, L3 and OPAL to collect 536/pb of data at center-of-mass energies of 206 GeV or higher. This data is used to probe the existence of the Higgs boson up to a mass of around 115 GeV. Tantalizing candidates have been observed in excess over the Standard Model predictions, but without enough statistical power to claim a discovery. A Higgs boson lighter than 114.4 GeV is hence excluded at 95% confidence level.