Neural Network-based Signal Isolation and Cross Section Estimation of the <em>tH</em> Process with the ATLAS Detector

Abstract

A measurement of the single top quark production in association with a Higgs boson (tH) gives insight into the properties of not only the top quark but also the Higgs boson. The associated production is sensitive to the magnitude and the relative sign of the top quark Higgs boson Yukawa coupling even in the presence of physics beyond the Standard Model. Additionally, the decay of the Higgs boson into two tau leptons, of which successively one or both decay hadronically, allows for precise reconstruction of the Higgs mass. The desired precision is limited by the plethora of background processes with higher cross sections. <br /> In consequence, the analysis is a perfect application area for neural networks for signal isolation. <br /> The method and subsequently the estimation of the cross section are presented using the Run 2 data from the ATLAS detector at the LHC.