Search arXiv⌕ Search
Home/Archive/arXiv

arXiv · 1001.3954

Parton distributions: HERA-Tevatron-LHC

Graeme Watt
View original source ↗Read source document ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

The parton distribution functions (PDFs) are a non-negotiable input to almost all theory predictions at hadron colliders. In this talk, I introduce PDF determination by global analysis and discuss selected topics concerning recent relevant data from HERA and the Tevatron, before giving some prospects for the LHC. The combination of H1 and ZEUS cross sections reduces uncertainties and will be an important input to future global PDF analyses. The theoretical description of the heavy-quark contribution to structure functions at HERA has a significant influence on predictions at the LHC. New W and Z data from the Tevatron Run II provide important PDF constraints, but there are currently problems describing the latest data on the lepton charge asymmetry from W -> l nu decays. The Tevatron Run II jet production data prefer a smaller high-x gluon than the previous Run I data, which impacts on predictions for Higgs cross sections at the Tevatron. It is now possible to consistently calculate a combined "PDF+alpha_S" uncertainty on hadronic cross sections, which is around 2-3% for the W and Z total cross sections at the LHC, reflecting their potential as a "standard candle" to measure machine luminosity. Parton luminosity functions are useful quantities for studying properties of hadronic cross sections. Precision measurements at the LHC will provide further constraints on PDFs as data accumulates in the early running period.

Explore related subjects

hep-phhep-ex

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Graeme Watt. 2010-01-22. Parton distributions: HERA-Tevatron-LHC. https://arxiv.org/abs/1001.3954

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

arXiv2026

First constraints on QCD axion dark matter using James Webb Space Telescope observations

We present the first constraints on QCD axion dark matter using measurements from the James Webb Space Telescope. By utilizing publicly available MIRI and NIRSpec blank-sky observations, originally collected for sky subtraction purposes, we derive strong limits on the axion-photon coupling constant $g_{a γγ}$ in the mass range 0.1-4 eV. This analysis underscores the potential of blank-sky observations as a powerful tool for constraining dark matter models and demonstrates how astrophysical missions can be repurposed for particle physics research.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2026

Interplay between Electroweak Symmetry Breaking and Higgs Portal Dark Matter

Models of Dark Matter must contend with the fact that the presence of electroweak symmetry breaking along the thermal evolution of the Universe modifies the masses, interactions and, thus, the thermally averaged cross sections. We study in detail the impact of taking (not taking) the presence of the electroweak symmetry breaking into account in the calculations of the Dark Matter relic density in Higgs portal models, providing a model-independent measure of such differences. By focusing on a particular model, we show that ignoring this effect can lead to the inclusion (exclusion) of wrong (viable) regions of parameter space.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2026

Sensitivity Analysis of Singlet Vector-Like B Quarks via Photon-Induced and Z-Initiated Processes at FCC-$μp$

This study presents a systematic sensitivity analysis of singlet-type vector-like $B$ quark production at an FCC--$μp$ collider with a centre-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}=24.5~\mathrm{TeV}$ through photon- and $Z$-initiated production mechanisms. The analysis focuses on the $B\to Zb$ decay channel, considering the leptonic decay of the $Z$ boson and the hadronic decay of the accompanying $W$ boson, leading to the final state $\ell^+\ell^-bjj$. Detector-resolution effects are incorporated through a simplified Gaussian smearing procedure, and the discovery and exclusion sensitivities are evaluated using an Asimov-based statistical framework. For the photon-induced channel, the most favourable sensitivity is obtained for $R_L=0.05$ and $\mathcal{L}=1000~\mathrm{fb^{-1}}$. Over the mass range $M_B=2$--$3~\mathrm{TeV}$, the expected $5σ$ discovery reach is approximately $g^\ast\simeq0.263$--$0.328$, while the $95\%$ C.L. exclusion sensitivity extends to $g^\ast\simeq0.162$--$0.197$. On the other hand, the $Z$-initiated channel provides a substantially stronger sensitivity and extends the investigated mass range up to $M_B=4.5~\mathrm{TeV}$. For $R_L=0.05$ and $\mathcal{L}=500~\mathrm{fb^{-1}}$, the $5σ$ discovery reach is approximately $g^\ast\simeq0.038$--$0.056$, while the corresponding $95\%$ C.L. exclusion sensitivity reaches $g^\ast\simeq0.021$--$0.032$. These results demonstrate that photon- and $Z$-initiated single production at an FCC--$μp$ collider provide complementary probes of heavy vector-like $B$ quarks. Moreover, the $Z$-initiated channel offers particularly strong sensitivity to small effective couplings in the multi-TeV mass region beyond the present direct LHC reach.

hep-ph↗