Measurement of Z/γ∗+jet+X angular distributions in pp¯ collisions at s=1.96 TeV

Abstract We present the first measurements at a hadron collider of differential cross sections for Z / γ ∗ + jet + X production in Δ ϕ ( Z , jet ) , | Δ y ( Z , jet ) | and | y boost ( Z + jet ) | . Vector boson production in association with jets is an excellent probe of QCD and constitutes the main background to many small cross section processes, such as associated Higgs production. These measurements are crucial tests of the predictions of perturbative QCD and current event generators, which have varied success in describing the data. Using these measurements as inputs in tuning event generators will increase the experimental sensitivity to rare signals.