Precision bounds on $m_H$ and $m_t

Abstract

We perform a fit to precise electroweak data to determine the Higgs and top masses. Penalty functions taking into account their production limits are included. We find ${\displaystyle m_H=65^{+245}_{-4}\ GeV}$ and ${\displaystyle m_t=122^{+25}_{-20}\ GeV}$. However whereas the top $\chi^2$ distribution behaves properly near the minimum, the Higgs $\chi^2$ distribution does not, indicating a statistical fluctuation or new physics. In fact no significative bound on the Higgs mass can be given at present. However, if the LEP accuracy is improved and the top is discovered in the preferred range of top masses, a meaningful bound on the Higgs mass could be obtained within the standard model framework.