Heavy Higgs decay to $t\bar{t}Z$ and constraints on a $750$ GeV pseudoscalar

Abstract

In models with multiple nondegenerate Higgs bosons, the decay chain $H/A\to A/HZ\to t\bar{t}Z$ may have a partial width comparable to the $t\bar{t}$ decay mode. We recast the ATLAS standard model $t\bar{t}Z$ measurement to put limits on the rate for this process. Limits are also set on the two Higgs doublet model at low $\tan \beta$ that are sensitive to a heavy Higgs mass as high as $\sim 750$ GeV. We then discuss the $750$ GeV diphoton excess in terms of a pseudoscalar that also has the decays $A\to HZ$ and $A\to H^{\pm }{W}^{\mp }$. These decays strongly constrain the partial widths for $A\to \gamma \gamma$ and $A\to gg$ when combined with the $t\bar{t}$ resonance search limits. In a benchmark model the mass of $H$ should be close to 650 GeV.

Comments: 12 pages, 3 figures, matches published version