Measurement of the cross-section for Z → e+e- production in pp collisions at √s=7 TeV

A measurement of the cross-section for pp → Z → e+e− is presented using data at √s=7 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 0.94 fb−1. The process is measured within the kinematic acceptance p T > 20 GeV/c and 2 < η < 4.5 for the daughter electrons and dielectron invariant mass in the range 60–120 GeV/c 2. The cross-section is determined to be σ ( pp→ Z→ e⁺e⁻ )=76.0± 0.8± 2.0± 2.6\;pb where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic and the third is the uncertainty in the luminosity. The measurement is performed as a function of Z rapidity and as a function of an angular variable which is closely related to the Z transverse momentum. The results are compared with previous LHCb measurements and with theoretical predictions from QCD.