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

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.