Inclusive W and Z production with CMS at LHC startup

Abstract

We report on potential for measurement of inclusive W and Z boson production cross section using initial data from the LHC. We have designed W and Z triggers, selection algorithms, and event reconstruction techniques for both muon and electron decay modes, for low luminosity operation of the LHC integrating up to about 10 pb-1. Initial calibrations and alignment accuracies are assumed. While the accuracy of the cross section extracted will be dominated by the integral luminosity measurement, ratios of W and Z production, and asymmetry distributions will be important early measurements from LHC.