Same-sign WW scattering in the HEFT: discoverability vs. EFT validity

Abstract

Vector boson scatterings are fundamental processes to shed light on the nature of the electroweak symmetry breaking mechanism. Deviations from the Standard Model predictions on the corresponding observables can be interpreted in terms of effective field theories, that however undergo consistency conditions. In this paper, the same-sign W W scattering is considered within the HEFT context and the correct usage of the effective field theory approach is discussed. Regions of the parameters space are identified where a signal of new physics could be measured at HL-LHC with a significance of more than 5σ and the effective field theory description is consistently adopted. These results are then translated into bounds on the ξ parameter in the composite Higgs scenario. The discussion on the agreement with previous literature and the comparison with the equivalent analysis in the SMEFT case are also included.