Measurement of the $e^+e^- \to W^+W^-$ cross section and W decay branching fractions at LEP

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ainsley, C. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 52 (2007) 767-785, 2007.
Inspire Record 757918 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.48533

From a total data sample of 701.1 pb^-1 recorded with e+e- centre-of-mass energies of sqrt = 161-209 GeV with the OPAL detector at LEP, 11693 W-pair candidate events are selected. These data are used to obtain measurements of the W-pair production cross sections at 10 different centre-of-mass energies. The ratio of the measured cross sections to the Standard Model expectation is found to be: data/SM = 1.002 +- 0.011(stat.) +- 0.007(syst.) +- 0.005(theory), where the uncertainties are statistical, experimental systematics and theory systematics respectively. The data are used to determine the W boson branching fractions, which are found to be consistent with lepton universality of the charged current interaction. Assuming lepton universality, the branching ratio to hadrons is determined to be 67.41 +- 0.37(stat.) +- 0.23(syst.)%, from which the CKM matrix element Vcs is determined to be 0.96+-0.017(stat.)+-0.012(syst.). The differential cross section as a function of the W^- production angle is measured for the qqev and qqmv final states. The results described in this paper are consistent with the expectations from the Standard Model.

5 data tables

Measured cross section for the (lepton nu lepton nu) decay mode.

Measured cross section for the (quark quark lepton nu) decay mode.

Measured cross section for the (quark quark quark quark) decay mode.

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Inclusive Jet Production in Photon-Photon Collisions at $\sqrt{s_{ee}}$ from 189 to 209 GeV

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ainsley, C. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 658 (2008) 185-192, 2008.
Inspire Record 754316 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.48798

Inclusive jet production (e+e- -> e+e- +jet+X) is studied in collisions of quasi-real photons radiated by the LEP beams at e+e- centre-of-mass energies sqrt see from 189 to 209 GeV. Jets are reconstructed using the kp jet algorithm. The inclusive differential cross-section is measured as a function of the jet transverse momentum, ptjet, in the range 5 <ptjet < 40 GeV for pseudo-rapidities, etaj, in the range -1.5 < etaj < 1.5. The results are compared to predictions of perturbative QCD in next-to-leading order in the strong coupling constant.

2 data tables

Inclusive jet cross section for the absolute jet pseudorapidity < 1.0.

Inclusive jet cross section for the absolute jet pseudorapidity < 1.5.


Inclusive production of charged hadrons in photon photon collisions.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ainsley, C. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 651 (2007) 92-101, 2007.
Inspire Record 734955 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.48554

The inclusive production of charged hadrons in the collisions of quasi-real photons e+e- -> e+e- +X has been measured using the OPAL detector at LEP. The data were taken at e+e- centre-of-mass energies from 183 to 209 GeV. The differential cross-sections as a function of the transverse momentum and the pseudorapidity of the hadrons are compared to theoretical calculations of up to next-to-leading order (NLO) in the strong coupling constant alpha{s}. The data are also compared to a measurement by the L3 Collaboration, in which a large deviation from the NLO predictions is observed.

12 data tables

Differential inclusive charged hadron production cross section as a function of PT.

Differential inclusive charged hadron production cross section as a function of PT.

Differential inclusive charged hadron production cross section as a function of PT.

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Measurement of event shape distributions and moments in e+ e- --> hadrons at 91-GeV - 209-GeV and a determination of alpha(s).

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ainsley, C. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 40 (2005) 287-316, 2005.
Inspire Record 669402 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.48652

We have studied hadronic events from e+e- annihilation data at centre-of-mass energies from 91 to 209 GeV. We present distributions of event shape observables and their moments at each energy and compare with QCD Monte Carlo models. From the event shape distributions we extract the strong coupling alpha_s and test its evolution with energy scale. The results are consistent with the running of alpha_s expected from QCD. Combining all data, the value of alpha_s(M_Z) is determined to be alpha_s(M_Z) = 0.1191 +- 0.0005 (stat.) +- 0.0010 (expt.) +- 0.0011 (hadr.) +- 0.0044 (theo.). The energy evolution of the moments is also used to determine a value of alpha_s with slightly larger errors: alpha_s(M_Z) = 0.1223 +- 0.0005 (stat.) +- 0.0014 (expt.) +- 0.0016 (hadr.) +0.0054 -0.0036 (theo.).

27 data tables

Measured normalized differential distribution for 1-THRUST.

Measured normalized differential distribution for HEAVY-JET-MASS.

Measured normalized differential distribution for C-PARAMETER.

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Scaling violations of quark and gluon jet fragmentation functions in e+ e- annihilations at s**(1/2) = 91.2-GeV and 183-GeV - 209-GeV.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ainsley, C. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 37 (2004) 25-47, 2004.
Inspire Record 648738 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.74689

Flavour inclusive, udsc and b fragmentation functions in unbiased jets, and flavour inclusive, udsc, b and gluon fragmentation functions in biased jets are measured in e+e- annihilations from data collected at centre-of-mass energies of 91.2, and 183-209 GeV with the OPAL detector at LEP. The unbiased jets are defined by hemispheres of inclusive hadronic events, while the biased jet measurements are based on three-jet events selected with jet algorithms. Several methods are employed to extract the fragmentation functions over a wide range of scales. Possible biases are studied in the results are obtained. The fragmentation functions are compared to results from lower energy e+e- experiments and with earlier LEP measurements and are found to be consistent. Scaling violations are observed and are found to be stronger for the fragmentation functions of gluon jets than for those of quarks. The measured fragmentation functions are compared to three recent theoretical next-to-leading order calculations and to the predictions of three Monte Carlo event generators. While the Monte Carlo models are in good agreement with the data, the theoretical predictions fail to describe the full set of results, in particular the b and gluon jet measurements.

11 data tables

The udsc jet fragmentation function in bins of $x_{\rm E}$ and scale. The scale denotes $Q_{\rm jet}$ for the biased jets and is given by the intervals, while it denotes $\sqrt{s}/2$ for the unbiased jets and is given by the single values. These data are displayed in Fig.7.

The b jet fragmentation function in bins of $x_{\rm E}$ and scale. The scale denotes $Q_{\rm jet}$ for the biased jets and is given by the intervals, while it denotes $\sqrt{s}/2$ for the unbiased jets and is given by the single values. These data are displayed in Fig. 8. In the region 0.48 $<x_{\rm E}<$ 0.90 and $Q_{\rm jet}=$ 30-70 GeV, no measurement was possible due to low statistics.

The gluon jet fragmentation functions in bins of $x_{\rm E}$ and scale $Q_{\rm jet}$ obtained from the biased jets using the b-tag method (BT). These data are displayed in Fig. 9. In the region 0.48 $<x_{\rm E}<$ 0.90 and $Q_{\rm jet}=$ 30-42 GeV for the b-tag method, no measurement was possible due to low statistics.

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W boson polarisation at LEP2.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ainsley, C. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 585 (2004) 223-236, 2004.
Inspire Record 635790 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49660

Elements of the spin density matrix for W bosons in e+e- -> W+W- -> qqln events are measured from data recorded by the OPAL detector at LEP. This information is used calculate polarised differential cross-sections and to search for CP-violating effects. Results are presented for W bosons produced in e+e- collisions with centre-of-mass energies between 183 GeV and 209 GeV. The average fraction of W bosons that are longitudinally polarised is found to be (23.9 +- 2.1 +- 1.1)% compared to a Standard Model prediction of (23.9 +- 0.1)%. All results are consistent with CP conservation.

7 data tables

The fraction of longitudinal polarization for leptonically and hadronically decaying W bosons. The average values for all the centre of mass energies and for both lepton and hadron decay combined are also given.

The luminosity weighted average over all the centre of mass energies of the diagonal elements of the RHO++ and RHO-- SDM as a function of the cosine of the angle of the W- boson for the leptonic decay channel.

The luminosity weighted average over all the centre of mass energies of the diagonal element of the RHO00 SDM as a function of the cosine of the angle of the W- boson for both leptonic and hadronic decay channels, and combined.

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Experimental studies of unbiased gluon jets from e+ e- annihilations using the jet boost algorithm

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ainsley, C. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Phys.Rev.D 69 (2004) 032002, 2004.
Inspire Record 631361 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.74246

We present the first experimental results based on the jet boost algorithm, a technique to select unbiased samples of gluon jets in e+e- annihilations, i.e. gluon jets free of biases introduced by event selection or jet finding criteria. Our results are derived from hadronic Z0 decays observed with the OPAL detector at the LEP e+e- collider at CERN. First, we test the boost algorithm through studies with Herwig Monte Carlo events and find that it provides accurate measurements of the charged particle multiplicity distributions of unbiased gluon jets for jet energies larger than about 5 GeV, and of the jet particle energy spectra (fragmentation functions) for jet energies larger than about 14 GeV. Second, we apply the boost algorithm to our data to derive unbiased measurements of the gluon jet multiplicity distribution for energies between about 5 and 18 GeV, and of the gluon jet fragmentation function at 14 and 18 GeV. In conjunction with our earlier results at 40 GeV, we then test QCD calculations for the energy evolution of the distributions, specifically the mean and first two non-trivial normalized factorial moments of the multiplicity distribution, and the fragmentation function. The theoretical results are found to be in global agreement with the data, although the factorial moments are not well described for jet energies below about 14 GeV.

5 data tables

The charged particle multiplicity distribution of gluon jets, $n_{\rm gluon}^{\rm ch.}$, for $E_{\rm g}^*$$\,=\,$5.25, 5.98 and 6.98 GeV. The data have been corrected for detector acceptance and resolution, for event selection, and for gluon jet impurity.

The charged particle multiplicity distribution of gluon jets, $n_{\rm gluon}^{\rm ch.}$, for $E_{\rm g}^*$$\,=\,$8.43 and 10.92 GeV. The data have been corrected for detector acceptance and resolution, for event selection, and for gluon jet impurity.

The charged particle multiplicity distribution of gluon jets, $n_{\rm gluon}^{\rm ch.}$, for $E_{\rm g}^*$$\,=\,$14.24 and 17.72 GeV. The data have been corrected for detector acceptance and resolution, for event selection, and for gluon jet impurity.

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Tests of the standard model and constraints on new physics from measurements of fermion pair production at 189-GeV to 209-GeV at LEP

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ainsley, C. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 33 (2004) 173-212, 2004.
Inspire Record 628491 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.43174

Cross-section and angular distributions for hadronic and lepton-pair final states in e+e- collisions at centre-of-mass energies between 189 GeV and 209 GeV, measured with the OPAL detector at LEP, are presented and compared with the predictions of the Standard Model. The measurements are used to determine the electromagnetic coupling constant alphaem at LEP2 energies. In addition, the results are used together with OPAL measurements at 91-183 GeV within the S-matrix formalism to determine the gamma-Z interference term and to make an almost model-independent measurement of the Z mass. Limits on extensions to the Standard Model described by effective four-fermion contact interactions or the addition of a heavy Z boson are also presented.

18 data tables

CM energy values.

Measured cross section for QUARK QUARKBAR (HADRON) production. The data are corrected to no interference between initial and final state radiation.

Measured cross section for MU+ MU- production. The data are corrected to no interference between initial and final state radiation.

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Study of Z pair production and anomalous couplings in e+ e- collisions at s**(1/2) between 190-GeV and 209-GeV.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ainsley, C. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 32 (2003) 303-322, 2003.
Inspire Record 630099 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49700

A study of Z-boson pair production in e+e- annihilation at center-of-mass energies between 190 GeV and 209 GeV is reported. Final states containing only leptons, (l+l-l+l- and l+l-nn), quark and lepton pairs, (qql+l-, qqnn) and only hadrons (qqqq) are considered. In all states with at least one Z boson decaying hadronically, lifetime, lepton and event-shape tags are used to separate bb pairs from qq final state. Limits on anomalous ZZgamma and ZZZ couplings are derived from the measured cross sections and from event kinematics using an optimal observable method. Limits on low scale gravity with large dimensions are derived from the cross sections and their dependence on polar angle.

1 data table

The NC2 Z0-pair cross sections obtained from fits to the data.


Measurement of isolated prompt photon production in photon photon collisions at s(ee)**(1/2) = 183-GeV - 209-GeV.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ainsley, C. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 31 (2003) 491-502, 2003.
Inspire Record 619533 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.48831

For the first time at LEP the production of prompt photons is studied in the collisions of quasi-real photons using the OPAL data taken at e+e- centre-of-mass energies between 183 GeV and 209 GeV. The total inclusive production cross-section for isolated prompt photons in the kinematic range of photon transverse momentum larger than 3.0 GeV and absolute photon pseudorapidity less than 1 is determined to be 0.32 +- 0.04 (stat) +- 0.04 (sys) pb. Differential cross-sections are compared to the predictions of a next-to-leading-order (NLO) calculation.

5 data tables

The total prompt photon cross section in the kinematic range defined by theanti tagging condition.

Differential cross section in PT.

Differential cross section in ETARAP.

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