Polarization effects in the Higgs boson decay to gamma Z and test of CP and CPT symmetries

Abstract

Polarization characteristics of gamma gamma and gamma Z states in the Higgs boson decays h -> gamma gamma and h -> gamma Z are discussed. Based on effective Lagrangian, describing h gamma gamma and h gamma Z interactions with CP-even and CP-odd parts, we calculate polarization parameters xi_1, xi_2, xi_3. A nonzero value of the photon circular polarization, defined by parameter xi_2, arises due to presence of both parts in effective Lagrangian and its non-Hermiticity. The circular polarization is proportional to the forward-backward asymmetry of fermions in the decay h -> gamma Z -> gamma f bar{f}. Measurement of this observable would allow one to search for deviation from the standard model and possible violation of CPT symmetry. We discuss also a possibility to measure parameters xi_1, xi_3, describing correlation of linear polarizations of photon and Z boson, in the decay h -> gamma* Z -> l+ l- Z via distribution over the azimuthal angle between the decay planes of gamma* -> l+ l- and Z -> f bar{f}. Deviation of the measured value of xi_1 from zero will indicate CP violation in the Higgs sector.

Comments: 9 pages, revtex4; v2: list of references is extended and updated, estimates of observability at the LHC of proposed processes are added, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. D; v3: minor changes to adjust with the journal version