Standard model Higgs physics at a 4 TeV upgraded Fermilab Tevatron

We compute an array of standard model Higgs boson (H) signals and backgrounds for a possible upgrade of the Fermilab Tevatron to √s =4 TeV. Taking ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{t}}$≥140 GeV, and assuming a total accumulated luminosity of L=30 ${\mathrm{fb}}^{\mathrm{-}1}$, we find that a standard model Higgs boson with ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{H}}$≲110 GeV could almost certainly be detected using the ${\mathit{W}}^{\pm }$H→lνbb¯ mode. A Higgs boson with a mass between ∼120 GeV and ∼140 GeV or above ∼230–250 GeV almost certainly would not be seen. A Higgs boson with ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{H}}$∼150 GeV or 200≲${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{H}}$≲230–250 GeV has a decent chance of being detected in the ZZ→4l mode. There would also be some possibility of discovering the H in the WW→lνjj mode for 150≲${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{H}}$≲200 GeV. Finally, hints of an event excess in the WW→llνν mode due to the H might emerge for 140≲${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{H}}$≲180 GeV. Given the difficult nature of the Higgs boson signals for ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{H}}$ values beyond the reach of CERN LEP 200, and the discontinuous ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{H}}$ range that could potentially be probed, a 4 TeV upgraded Tevatron would allow a much less comprehensive search for a standard model Higgs boson than the CERN LHC.