New method for reducing parton distribution function uncertainties in the high-mass Drell-Yan spectrum

Abstract

Uncertainties in the parametrization of parton distribution functions (PDFs) are becoming a serious limiting systematic uncertainty in Large Hadron Collider (LHC) searches for beyond the standard model physics. This is especially true for measurements at high scales induced by quark and anti-quark collisions, where Drell-Yan continuum backgrounds are dominant. Tools are recently available which enable exploration of PDF fitting strategies and emulate the effects of new data in a future global fit. ePump is such a tool and it is shown that judicious selection of measurable kinematical quantities can reduce the assigned systematic PDF uncertainties by significant factors. This will be made possible by the huge statistical precision of future LHC standard model datasets.