A Search for the Standard Model Higgs Boson in pp → ZH → μ+μ− b b at √s = 1.96 TeV

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Authors
DeWilde, Burton
Issue Date
2006-01-01
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
particle physics , higgs boson , Tevatron , D0 , neural network , high energy physics , Fermilab
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Abstract
The theory and experiment associated with the Standard Model Higgs boson is reviewed. A search is underway at Fermilab’s Tevatron accelerator for Higgs production in the pp → ZH → μ+μ−bb channel at 1.96 TeV. This study employs an artificial neural network trained on simulated data in order to quantify the expected difference between a small Higgs signal and a much larger background. The network is optimized with respect to variable set, training method, and number of training epochs and hidden neurons. The optimal network achieves greater signal/background discrimination than a conventional analysis of the data, thereby reducing the total number of events required for the detection of the Higgs boson.
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viii, 54 p.
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Kalamazoo, Mich. : Kalamazoo College.
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U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.
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