Threshold scans in diffractive W pair production via QED processes at the LHC

We propose a new set of measurements which can be performed at the LHC using roman pot detectors. This new method is based on exploiting excitation curves to measure kinematical properties of produced particles. We illustrate it in the case of central diffractive W pair production.Comment: Accepted by Phys. Lett. B - 1 reference adde

Sensitivity to the Standard Model Higgs Boson in Exclusive Double Diffraction

We use a Monte Carlo implementation of recently developed models of double diffraction to assess the sensitivity of the LHC experiments to Standard Model Higgs bosons produced in exclusive double diffraction. The signal is difficult to extract, due to experimental limitations related to the first level trigger, and to contamination by inclusive double diffractive background. Assuming the above difficulties can be overcome, the expected signal-to-background ratio is presented as a function of the experimental resolution on the missing mass. Injecting a missing mass resolution of 2 GeV, a signal-to-background ratio of about 0.5 is obtained; a resolution of 1 GeV brings a signal to background ratio of 1. This result is lower than previous estimates, and the discrepancy is explained.Comment: Revised versio

Diffractive χ\chi Production at the Tevatron and the LHC

We present predictions for the diffractive production of $\chi$ mesons in the central rapidity region usually covered by collider detectors. The predicted cross sections are based on the Bialas-Landshoff formalism for both exclusive and inclusive production and makes use of the DPEMC Monte-Carlo simulation adapted with kinematics appropriate for small-mass diffractive production. We compare generator-level results with a CDF measurement for exclusive $\chi$ production, and study background and other scenarios including the contribution of inclusive $\chi$ production. The results agree with the Tevatron data and are extrapolated, highlighting the exclusive \chic production at LHC energies. A possible new measurement at the Tevatron using the D{\O}forward detectors is investigated, taking advantage of the dominance of exclusive production for high enough diffractive mass fraction.Comment: 9 pages, 2 figures, added akcnowledgment

Threshold scans in Central Diffraction at the LHC

We propose a new set of measurements which can be performed at the LHC using roman pot detectors. The method exploits excitation curves in central diffractive pair production, and is illustrated using the examples of the W boson and top quark mass measurements. Further applications are mentioned.Comment: 11 page

Popping out the Higgs boson off vacuum at Tevatron and LHC

In the prospect of diffractive Higgs production at the LHC collider, we give an extensive study of Higgs boson, dijet, diphoton and dilepton production at hadronic colliders via diffraction at both hadron vertices. Our model, based on non factorizable Pomeron exchange, describes well the observed dijet rate observed at Tevatron Run I. Taking the absolute normalization from data, our predictions are given for diffractive processes at Tevatron and LHC. Stringent tests of our model and of its parameters using data being taken now at Tevatron Run II are suggested. These measurements will also allow to discriminate between various models and finally to give precise predictions on diffractive Higgs boson production cross-section at the LHC.Comment: 27 pages, 16 figures. Published version, incorporating corrections listed in the Erratum to appea

DPEMC : A Monte-Carlo for Double Diffraction

We extend the POMWIG Monte Carlo generator developed by B.Cox and J.Forshaw, to include new models of central production through inclusive and exclusive Double Pomeron Exchange in proton-proton collisions. Double photon Exchange processes are described as well, both in proton-proton and heavy-ion collisions. In all contexts, various models have been implemented, allowing for comparisons and uncertainty evaluation and enabling detailed experimental simulations.Comment: Revised versio

Higgs boson production via Double Pomeron Exchange at the LHC

We study Higgs boson production via Double Pomeron Exchange allowing for the presence of Pomeron remnants. We estimate the number of events produced at the LHC collider, as a function of the Higgs boson mass and its decay channel. The model which successfully describes the high mass dijet spectrum observed at Tevatron (run I) is used to predict rates of events with tagged protons for the acceptance range of the CMS/Totem experiments. Sizeable cross-sections and encouraging event selection signals are found, demonstrating especially for smaller Higgs boson masses the importance to study the diffractive channels. Tagging of the Pomeron remnants can be exploited to achieve a good resolution on the Higgs boson mass for inclusive diffractive events, by optimizing an intermediary analysis between higher cross-sections of the fully {\it inclusive} mode (all Pomeron remnants) and cleaner signals of the {\it exclusive} mode (without Pomeron remnants).Comment: 6 pages, 4 eps.figure