Combining real and virtual Higgs boson mass constraints
Abstract
Description
Within the framework of the standard model we observe that there is a significant discrepancy between the most precise $Z$ boson decay asymmetry measurement and the limit from direct searches for Higgs boson production. Using methods inspired by the Particle Data Group we explore the possible effect on fits of the Higgs boson mass. In each case the central value and the 95% confidence level upper limit increase significantly relative to the conventional fit. The results suggest caution in drawing conclusions about the Higgs boson mass from the existing data.
11 pages, Latex. Citations are added and paper is otherwise reconciled with version to be published in Physical Review Letters
11 pages, Latex. Citations are added and paper is otherwise reconciled with version to be published in Physical Review Letters