Solving Higgs Decay Invariant Averaged Amplitude Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the invariant averaged amplitude for the decay of a Higgs boson into a fermion and antifermion. The participant derived the expression \(\langle|M|^2\rangle=\frac{g_w^2}{4}\frac{m_f^2}{m_w^2}(4p_1\cdot p_2-4m_f^2)\) but struggled to correctly compute \(p_1\cdot p_2\) in the Higgs rest frame. The correct scalar product was identified as \(p_1\cdot p_2=4E^2\), leading to the conclusion that the energies of the fermions are equal, but the participant initially miscalculated the relationship between energy and mass, ultimately resolving the issue by recognizing a kinematic error.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Feynman diagrams and particle decay processes
  • Knowledge of relativistic energy-momentum relations
  • Familiarity with the Higgs boson properties and decay channels
  • Proficiency in quantum field theory concepts, particularly amplitude calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of decay amplitudes in quantum field theory
  • Learn about the Higgs boson and its decay mechanisms in detail
  • Explore the implications of energy-momentum conservation in particle physics
  • Investigate common kinematic mistakes in particle decay calculations
USEFUL FOR

Particle physicists, students studying quantum field theory, and researchers focusing on Higgs boson decay processes will benefit from this discussion.

dingo_d
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Homework Statement


I have decay of Higgs to fermion and antifermion and I need to find out the invariant, averaged amplitude.

And I wrote down the Feynman diagram, and calculated everything and I came to this part:

\langle|M|^2\rangle=\frac{g_w^2}{4}\frac{m_f^2}{m_w^2}(4p_1\cdot p_2-4m_f^2)

Now to calculate p_1\cdot p_2 I sit in Higgs rest frame, so that the impulses of the fermions are the same (magnitude), but have different sign: \vec{p}_1=-\vec{p}_2.

So what I need to end up with is:

\langle|M|^2\rangle=\frac{g_w^2}{4}\frac{m_f^2}{m_w^2}(2m_h^2-8m_f^2)

But I just cannot get the right result!

p_1\cdot p_2=(E_1+E_2)^2-(\vec{p}_1+\vec{p}_2)^2=(E_1+E_2)^2

If the magnitude of the impulses of the two fermions are the same, and if the masses are the same the energies should also be the same, right? That is, E_1=E_2=E, then the scalar product of two 4-vectors is:

p_1\cdot p_2=4E^2, where E is the energy of the fermion. Since the energy is conserved: E_H=E_1+E_2\Rightarrow E=\frac{E_H}{2}, but since the Higgs is at rest it's mass is equal to it's energy so E=\frac{m_H}{2}, but if I put that back into the scalar product I have:
p_1\cdot p_2=m_H, but that doesn't give me the right answer :\

Where is my mistake?!
 
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Ok I think I solved it, I was messing up the kinematics. I feel like an idiot -.-"
 

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