Understanding Higgs-Z Ditau Decay Momentum Effects

  • Thread starter ChrisVer
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In summary, the Higgs-Z boson ditau decays can result in different momenta for the pion-products due to the decay angular distribution, which is dependent on the average polarization of the tau and the angle between the momentum of the tau and the pion. By using kinematics, it can be deduced that a right-handed tau decays into hard pions while a left-handed tau decays into soft pions. The fraction of energy carried away by the pion, denoted as x, plays a crucial role in determining the decay outcome.
  • #1
ChrisVer
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I am having some hard time to understand how the Higgs-Z boson ditau decays can result in different momenta for the pion-products (in the very simple scenario where [itex]\tau \rightarrow \pi \nu[/itex].

The decay angular distribution is given by:
[itex]\frac{1}{\Gamma} \frac{d \Gamma}{d \cos \theta} \propto \frac{1}{2} (1+ P_\tau \cos \theta)[/itex]
Where [itex]P_\tau[/itex] is the average polarization of the sample and [itex]\theta[/itex] is the angle between the momentum of the tau and the pion (I believe in the lab frame). For all left-handed taus [itex]P_\tau = -1[/itex] and for all right-handed taus [itex]P_\tau = +1[/itex].
By using some kinematics one can find that:
[itex] \cos \theta = \frac{2x -1 -a^2}{\beta_\tau (1- a^2)} \approx 2x -1 [/itex]
Where [itex]a= \frac{m_\pi}{m_\tau}[/itex] and so we neglected its square, and [itex]\beta_\tau[/itex] is tau's velocity which can be taken to be [itex]\beta \approx 1[/itex] due to the large mass difference between Z/H and taus.
So
[itex]\frac{1}{\Gamma} \frac{d \Gamma}{d x} \propto 1+ P_\tau (2x -1)[/itex]

From this last relation, how can someone deduce that a right-handed [itex]\tau^-[/itex] (left-handed [itex]\tau^+[/itex]) decays into hard pions while left-handed [itex]\tau^-[/itex] (right-handed [itex]\tau^+[/itex]) decays into soft pions?
 
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  • #2
Every angle in the lab frame would depend on the tau energy. It could be the angle between pion motion and tau spin or something similar.

What is x?

One spin orientation (relative to flight) tends to decay via a forward emission of pions (high energy), one tends towards a backwards emission (low energy).
 
  • #3
Sorry I forgot to define x ... [itex]x= E_\pi / E_\tau[/itex] the fraction of the energy of the tau carried away by the pion.
 

1. What is Higgs-Z Ditau decay momentum?

Higgs-Z Ditau decay momentum refers to the movement of tau particles that are produced from the decay of a Higgs boson and a Z boson. This momentum is important in understanding the behavior and properties of these particles.

2. How does the momentum of tau particles affect the decay process?

The momentum of tau particles can affect the decay process in a number of ways. It can determine the direction and energy of the decay products, as well as influence the decay rate and branching ratios.

3. What are the main factors that influence Higgs-Z Ditau decay momentum effects?

The main factors that influence Higgs-Z Ditau decay momentum effects include the mass of the Higgs and Z bosons, the energy of the collision, and the spin and polarization of the particles involved.

4. How is the momentum of tau particles measured in experiments?

The momentum of tau particles is typically measured using detectors such as particle trackers and calorimeters. These detectors can track the trajectory of the particles and measure their energy and momentum.

5. Why is understanding Higgs-Z Ditau decay momentum effects important?

Understanding Higgs-Z Ditau decay momentum effects is important because it can provide valuable insights into the nature of the Higgs boson and its interactions with other particles. It can also help validate theoretical models and improve our understanding of the fundamental forces of nature.

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