The differential shape of the Z to ee cross-section as a function of Z rapidity

Abstract

Before the LHC discovers new physics and new particles, the detectors needed to undergo commissioning. The detection and measurement of Standard Model processes was one way to validate the detector response. Some benefits of the validation procedure were accurate predictions of signals and backgrounds. The rapidity shape of the Z boson was used as a probe into the Probability Distribution Functions of the proton. This thesis discusses the differential Z cross-section measurement with 36 pb^-1 of integrated luminosity acquired at the LHC on the CMS detector in 2010 at a center of mass of 7 TeV.