Next-to-leading order QCD corrections to $Z\to q\bar{q}\gamma$, $q\bar{q}\gamma \gamma$

Abstract

We consider the rare decay channels of the $Z$ boson: $Z\to \text{two}\text{jets}+\gamma$ and $Z\to \text{two}\text{jets}+2\gamma$. To obtain the widths and distributions for these processes, we compute the effect of NLO QCD corrections to the processes $Z\to q\bar{q}+\gamma$ and $Z\to q\bar{q}+2\gamma$. We find that these corrections reduce the widths of these processes by about $6.03\%$ and $12.39\%$, respectively. The reduction in the partial widths is larger at the jet level. These NLO-improved decay observables may be tested in future runs of the LHC or at future $e^{+}{e}^{-}$ colliders.

20 pages, 16 figures, 2 tables