Higgs Production at the LHC: an Updated Signal-to-Background Analysis

Abstract

This paper follows hep-ph/9611397, where updated calculations of cross sections and branching ratios relevant for Standard Model Higgs phenomenology at the LHC were presented. Here, we complete that study by carrying out an updated signal-to-background analysis. We present results obtained by using exact matrix element computations at parton level for all processes, by exploiting the most recent parton distributions fitted to HERA structure function data and the most recent values of the electroweak input parameters. Cross sections and distributions are given for two collider energies, $\sqrt s_{pp}=10$ TeV and 14 TeV. Event rates and significances are discussed for two possible values of integrated luminosity, 10 fb$^{-1}$ and 100 fb$^{-1}$.