Di-Higgs final states augMT2ed-Selecting hh events at the high luminosity LHC

Higgs boson self-interactions can be investigated via di-Higgs (pp -> hh+ X) production at the LHC. With a small O(30) fb Standard Model production cross section, and a large t (t) over bar background, this measurement has been considered challenging, even at a luminosity-upgraded LHC. We demonstrate that by using simple kinematic bounding variables, of the sort already employed in existing LHC searches, the dominant t (t) over bar background can be largely eliminated. Simulations of the signal and the dominant background demonstrate the prospect for measurement of the di-Higgs production cross section at the 30% level using 3 ab(-1) of integrated luminosity at a high luminosity LHC. This corresponds to a Higgs self-coupling determination with 60% accuracy in the bb iota(+)iota(-) mode, with potential for further improvements from e.g. subjet technologies and from additional di-Higgs decay channels. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.