EurekAlert! – In a groundbreaking study, a team of researchers led by Matthew J. Dolan, Christoph Englert, Nicolas Greiner, and Michael Spannowsky from renowned universities and research centers have delved into the exploration of the hh+2j channel at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This research holds immense potential for advancing our understanding of electroweak physics, shedding light on the mysteries of the Higgs-Goldstone interactions, trilinear Higgs coupling, and VV^\dagger hh couplings (where V = W^\pm or Z).

What is the significance of the hh+2j channel in electroweak physics?

The hh+2j channel, involving the production of two Higgs bosons accompanied by two jets, is a fascinating area of study for electroweak physics. It provides a unique window into exploring the interactions of W^+W^-hh and ZZhh, which play a pivotal role in understanding electroweak symmetry-breaking.

The search for a deeper understanding of the electroweak symmetry-breaking sector has been a decades-long quest for physicists. The hh+2j channel offers a promising avenue to investigate the Higgs-Goldstone interactions, enabling us to unravel the intricacies of this phenomenon. By analyzing the weak boson fusion component of the scattering process, researchers can probe the dynamics of the electroweak symmetry-breaking sector and gain insights into its fundamental principles.

How does the weak boson fusion component contribute to the study of the electroweak symmetry-breaking sector?

The weak boson fusion component of the scattering process plays a crucial role in unraveling the mysteries of the electroweak symmetry-breaking sector. It allows researchers to examine the Higgs-Goldstone interactions, which provide essential clues about the nature of electroweak symmetry-breaking and the associated Higgs mechanism.

Imagine weak bosons as messengers of the fundamental forces in nature. Through their fusion, they give rise to a unique signature that allows physicists to study the electroweak symmetry-breaking sector. This fusion process involves the exchange of virtual weak bosons, which carry information about the underlying mechanisms responsible for symmetry-breaking. By carefully analyzing the characteristics of the hh+2j channel, scientists can unravel the intricate interplay between the Higgs boson and the Goldstone bosons, shedding light on the symmetries that shape our universe.

“The hh+2j channel provides a potentially clear window to study the electroweak symmetry-breaking sector. Through intricate measurements and analyses, we can gain valuable insights into the nature of the Higgs-Goldstone interactions, allowing us to unlock the secrets of electroweak physics,” explains Matthew J. Dolan, lead author of the study.

What are the challenges in analyzing the one-loop gluon fusion contribution in this channel?

While the hh+2j channel offers exciting prospects for advancing our understanding of electroweak physics, it is not without its challenges. One of the primary hurdles lies in analyzing the one-loop gluon fusion contribution, which plays a significant role in the production process.

The complexity of the one-loop gluon fusion contribution poses difficulties in obtaining reliable estimates through simplified calculations in the m_t → ∞ (infinite top mass) limit. This complexity arises from the high level of intricacy involved in accounting for the effects of these gluon interactions. Previously, there has been a lack of a comprehensive analysis of this channel due to the limitations posed by the one-loop gluon fusion contribution.

Christoph Englert, one of the co-authors, explains, “The one-loop gluon fusion contribution is a critical aspect that must be understood to provide a complete analysis of the hh+2j channel. However, due to its high complexity and interactions involving the finite mass of top and bottom quarks, reliably estimating its contribution has been a challenge. This study addresses this gap and provides a deeper understanding of the implications.”

What is the potential sensitivity to the trilinear Higgs and VV^\dagger hh (V=W^\pm,Z) couplings?

Unraveling the trilinear Higgs coupling and VV^\dagger hh (where V = W^\pm or Z) couplings is of paramount interest in the study of the hh+2j channel. These couplings offer crucial insights into the underlying physics governing the Higgs boson interactions and the fundamental forces of nature.

The researchers in this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the LHC’s potential to access di-Higgs production in association with two jets, enabling the exploration of these couplings at a hadron-level. The study takes into account the finite top and bottom mass dependencies for the gluon fusion contribution, providing a reliable foundation for understanding the implications and potential sensitivity to these couplings.

Nicolas Greiner, co-author of the research paper, elaborates, “With our study, we shed light on the potential sensitivity to the trilinear Higgs coupling and VV^\dagger hh couplings that can be expected from measurements of the hh+2j channel. This paves the way for further investigations, potentially unlocking deeper insights into the nature of the Higgs boson and its interplay with the weak bosons.”

As our understanding of electroweak physics advances, so too does our knowledge of the fundamental building blocks of the universe. This study, focused on the hh+2j channel, holds immense promise for unraveling the mysteries surrounding electroweak symmetry-breaking, Higgs-Goldstone interactions, trilinear Higgs couplings, and VV^\dagger hh couplings. By delving into the complexities of one-loop gluon fusion contributions and weak boson fusion, scientists are poised to unlock new realms of knowledge and reshape our understanding of the universe we inhabit.

Sources:

Research Article: Further on up the road: $hhjj$ production at the LHC

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