Higgs Boson Exchange Effects in $l^+l^-\to W^+W^-$ at High Energy

Abstract

We consider the prospects for detecting effects due to the Higgs exchange diagram in high energy mu^+ mu^-$, e^+ e^-, and tau^+ tau^- collisions producing a pair of W bosons. The processes l^+l^- -> W^+W^- (with l=mu,e,tau) are analyzed, analytically and via numerical simulations, to determine the center of mass energy, sqrt{s}_H, where the effects from Higgs exchange become relevant. The scaling of sqrt{s}_H with the mass of the incoming leptons is also studied. Special consideration is given to the W^+W^- -> l^pm} nu_l jj final state after experimental acceptance cuts are imposed. Angular cuts are shown to be able to significantly lower sqrt{s}_H.