Merging meets matching in MC@NLO

Abstract

The next-to-leading order accuracy for MC@NLO results exclusive in J light jets is achieved if the computation is based on matrix elements that feature J and J + 1 QCD partons. The simultaneous prediction of observables which are exclusive in different light-jet multiplicities cannot simply be obtained by summing the above results over the relevant range in J; rather, a suitable merging procedure must be defined. We address the problem of such a merging, and propose a solution that can be easily incorporated into existing MC@NLO implementations. We use the automated aMC@NLO framework to illustrate how the method works in practice, by considering the production at the 8 TeV LHC of a Standard Model Higgs in association with up to J = 2 jets, and of an e + ν e pair or a toverline{t} pair in association with up to J = 1 jet.