Combination of searches for Higgs boson pairs in pp collisions at √s=13 TeV with the ATLAS detector

Abstract

This letter presents a combination of searches for Higgs boson pair production using up to 36.1 fb−1 of proton–proton collision data at a centre-of-mass energy √s = 13 TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The combination is performed using six analyses searching for Higgs boson pairs decaying into the b¯bb¯b, b¯bW +W −, b¯bτ +τ −, W +W −W +W −, b¯bγγ and W +W −γγ final states. Results are presented for non-resonant and resonant Higgs boson pair production modes. No statistically significant excess in data above the Standard Model predictions is found. The combined observed (expected) limit at 95% confidence level on the non-resonant Higgs boson pair production cross-section is 6.9 (10) times the predicted Standard Model cross-section. Limits are also set on the ratio (κλ) of the Higgs boson selfcoupling to its Standard Model value. This ratio is constrained at 95% confidence level in observation (expectation) to −5.0 < κλ < 12.0 (−5.8 < κλ < 12.0). In addition, limits are set on the production of narrow scalar resonances and spin-2 Kaluza–Klein Randall–Sundrum gravitons. Exclusion regions are also provided in the parameter space of the habemus Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model and the Electroweak Singlet Model