Vector Boson Fusion Higgs Production at the LHC - Mass Variables

TL;DR

This paper investigates mass variables to improve signal detection of Higgs production via vector boson fusion at the LHC, reducing reliance on assumptions about the Higgs spin in complex final states.

Contribution

It introduces novel mass variables that enhance the ability to distinguish Higgs signals from background without assuming a specific Higgs spin.

Findings

Mass variables improve signal-to-noise ratio

Reduces dependence on spin assumptions

Enhances detection in two jet plus two lepton final states

Abstract

There exist substantial backgrounds to the vector boson fusion production of Higgs at the LHC. Mass variables are studied which may alleviate the need to assume a spin zero WW resonance in order to achieve a sufficient signal to noise ratio in the two jet plus two lepton and missing energy final state.