Precise Study of the $Z/{\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{*}$ Boson Transverse Momentum Distribution in $p\overline{p}$ Collisions Using a Novel Technique

Precise Study of the $Z / γ^{*}$ Boson Transverse Momentum Distribution in $p \bar{p}$ Collisions Using a Novel Technique

V. M. Abazov et al. (D0 Collaboration)

Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 122001 – Published 21 March 2011

Abstract

Using $7.3 {fb}^{- 1}$ of $p \bar{p}$ collisions collected by the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron, we measure the distribution of the variable $ϕ_{η}^{*}$ , which probes the same physical effects as the $Z / γ^{*}$ boson transverse momentum, but is less susceptible to the effects of experimental resolution and efficiency. A QCD prediction is found to describe the general features of the $ϕ_{η}^{*}$ distribution, but is unable to describe its detailed shape or dependence on boson rapidity. A prediction that includes a broadening of transverse momentum for small values of the parton momentum fraction is strongly disfavored.