The cross section for the production of Z gamma in proton-proton collisions at 8 TeV is measured based on data collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.5 inverse femtobarns. Events with an oppositely-charged pair of muons or electrons together with an isolated photon are selected. The differential cross section as a function of the photon transverse momentum is measured inclusively and exclusively, where the exclusive selection applies a veto on central jets. The observed cross sections are compatible with the expectations of next-to-next-to-leading-order quantum chromodynamics. Limits on anomalous triple gauge couplings of Z Z gamma and Z gamma gamma are set that improve on previous experimental results obtained with the charged lepton decay modes of the Z boson.
Inclusive fiducial cross sections in bins of pT(gamma) with statistical, systematic, and luminosity uncertainties, respectivley. Results are not divided by bin-widths. The last bin is the cross section for pT(gamma) > 120 GeV. Combined result of electron and muon channels.
Fiducial cross sections with jet-veto in bins of pT(gamma) with statistical, systematic, and luminosity uncertainties, respectivley. Results are not divided by bin-widths. The last bin is the cross section for pT(gamma) > 120 GeV. Combined result of electron and muon channels.
Ratio of fiducial cross section with jet-veto and the inclusive cross section in bins of pT(gamma). The last bin is the cross section for pT(gamma) > 120 GeV. Combined result of electron and muon channels.