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Setting Limits on Supersymmetry Using Simplified Models
Published on: November 15, 2013
Interference in the gg→h→γγ On-Shell Rate and the Higgs Boson Total Width
John Campbell1, Marcela Carena1,2,3, Roni Harnik1
1Theoretical Physics Department, Fermilab, Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA.
Abstract:
We consider interference between the Higgs signal and QCD background in gg→h→γγ and its effect on the on-shell Higgs rate. The existence of sizable strong phases leads to destructive interference of about 2% of the on-shell cross section in the standard model. This effect can be enhanced by beyond the standard model physics. In particular, since it scales differently from the usual rates, the presence of interference allows indirect limits to be placed on the Higgs width in a novel way, using on-shell rate measurements. Our study motivates further QCD calculations to reduce uncertainties. We discuss possible width-sensitive observables, both using total and differential rates and find that the HL-LHC can potentially indirectly constrain widths of order tens of MeV.
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