Exclusive search for Higgs boson to gamma-gamma decay via vector boson fusion production mechanism

We perform an exclusive search for the Higgs boson to gamma-gamma decay via vector boson fusion. We utilize the characteristic features of vector boson fusion, such as the di-jet [Delta][eta] and mass, as well as the di-photon [rho][tao], to search for the Higgs boson to gamma-gamma decay via the vector boson fusion process. The theoretical production cross section limit is analyzed over the accepted possible mass range for the Higgs boson, 120-130 GeV/c 2 . We are able to reduce the theoretical production cross section limit to ~ 6[sigma]SM in this range by using a boosted decision tree. Comparison to the cut based approach used by the CMS Collaboration shows no improvement in using a BDT as opposed to a cut based approach.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Physics

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Rankin, Dylan Sheldon

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Markus Klute.

• Physics.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/78498

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/78498