Enhancing the Higgs signal in $pp\rightarrow ZZ\rightarrow \ell^+\ell^-ν\barν$

Abstract

One of the possible modes suggested for detecting the Higgs particle is $pp\rightarrow ZZ\rightarrow\ell^+\ell^-ν\barν$, where the Higgs appears as a resonance on a Jacobian background. Unfortunately there are QCD background processes which mimic the final state and we are obliged to impose stringent kinematic cuts to remove them. However, in doing so we also remove a significant fraction of the signal. In this report we suggest a method, based on examining the distribution of the final state charged leptons, which could allow us to relax our cuts and thus salvage the signal.

6 pages, 6 figures available upon request, UIOWA-93-11