Next-to-leading order QCD predictions for W+2j and Z+2j production at the CERN LHC

Abstract

We present cross sections and differential distributions for QCD radiative corrections to the QCD processes pp -> W+2j and pp -> Z+2j at the CERN LHC. Calculations are performed with the Monte Carlo program MCFM. Cross section dependence on the renormalization and factorization scales is greatly reduced, except for the heavy-flavor case of Wbb~, which has new features at next-to-leading order at the LHC. We also present cross sections for Wbb~ and Z+2j in kinematic configurations relevant for Higgs boson searches.