Exploiting the WH/ZH symmetry in the search for new physics.

TLDR: It is suggested to isolate the loop-induced gluon-initiated component by using the similarity of the Drell–Yan-like component for associated ZH-ZH production to the WH process, and it is argued that the cross-section ratio of the latter two processes can be predicted with high theoretical accuracy.

Abstract: We suggest to isolate the loop-induced gluon-initiated component ( $$gg\rightarrow ZH$$ ) for associated $$ZH$$ production by using the similarity of the Drell–Yan-like component for $$ZH$$ production to the $$WH$$ process. We argue that the cross-section ratio of the latter two processes can be predicted with high theoretical accuracy. Comparing it to the experimental $$ZH/WH$$ cross-section ratio should allow to probe for new physics in the $$gg\rightarrow ZH$$ component at the HL-LHC. We consider typical BSM scenarios in order to exemplify the effect they would have on the proposed observable.