$h^0\to W^+W^-\ra \ell^+\ell^{'-}ν_\ell{\bar ν}_{\ell'}$ as the Dominant SM Higgs Search Mode at the LHC for $M_{h^0}$= 155-180 GeV

Abstract

We show that the Standard Model Higgs decay $h^0 \to W^+W ^- \to l^+ l^- ν{\barν}$ is the most sensitive mode for SM Higgs searches in the range 155-180 GeV. The previously considered mode $h^0 \to Z^0 Z^{0*} \to l^+ l^- l^+l^-$ has a significantly lower search sensitivity. We place particular emphasis on two new cuts based on (i) the boost and (ii) the spin-correlation of the $W^+W^-$-system. The distribution we obtain from our combined cuts shows a mass sensitive peak which probably allows a mass determination to $\pm$ 5 GeV for 5 fb^{-1}. This contribution complements our earlier published paper.