Direct probe of the intrinsic charm content of the proton

Measurement of Z bosons produced in association with charm jets (Zc) in proton-proton collisions in the forward region provides a direct probe of a potential nonperturbative (intrinsic) charm component in the proton wave function. We provide a detailed study of the potential to measure Zc production at the LHCb experiment in Runs 2 and 3 of the LHC. The sensitivity to valence-like (sea-like) intrinsic charm is predicted to be < x >(IC) greater than or similar to 0.3%(1%). The impact of intrinsic charm on Higgs production at the LHC, including Hc, is also discussed in detail.