Combination of vector boson scattering measurements in leptonic final states in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

Abstract

A statistical combination of vector boson scattering measurements in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV is presented. The analysis is based on a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb$^{-1}$, collected with the CMS detector in 2016$-$2018. Events are selected to contain two vector bosons, with at least one decaying leptonically, and at least two additional jets with a high invariant mass and a large pseudorapidity separation. Signal rates are extracted for same-sign WW, opposite-sign WW, as well as for WZ and ZZ channels, and are compared with the standard model predictions. The combination provides a global view of vector boson scattering by simultaneously constraining all channels in a coherent framework, improving sensitivity beyond individual inputs, with all results in agreement with the standard model predictions. In addition, a charge-separated measurement is performed in which W bosons are distinguished according to their electric charge, allowing sensitivity to the production charge asymmetry.