The equivalent vector boson approximation for intermediate mass higgs boson production

Abstract

We consider the equivalent vector boson approximation (EVBA) for the process qq→qqWW→qqH and qq→qqZZ→qqH. It is shown that the contributions σ_T and σ_L, of the transversely and longitudinally polarized vector bosons V respectively, are comparable with each other for intermediate values of m_H viz. 0.3 TeV to 0.6 TeV. σ_T can be as large as 1.5-2 times σ_L in this mass range. As a result the leading EVBA for σ=σ_L+σ_T overestimates the exact total cross-section by a factor, upto 2-3 even, at high energies. σ_T is negligible with respect to the leading contribution σ_L only for m_H0.6 TeV, where EVBA is correct within 15-20%. Further the effect of the corrections to EVBA, which are naively of nonleading order, on these conclusions in the framework of the EVBA is discussed.