An Improved W Boson Mass Measurement using the Collider Detector at Fermilab

<p>The mass of the $W$ boson is one of the most important parameters in the </p><p>Standard Model. A precise measurement of the $W$ boson mass, together </p><p>with a precise measurement of the top quark mass, can constrain the </p><p>mass of the undiscovered Higgs boson within the Standard Model </p><p>framework or give a hint for physics beyond the Standard Model. </p><p>This dissertation describes a measurement of the $W$ boson mass </p><p> through its decay into a muon and a neutrino using </p><p> $\approx$ 2.2 fb$^{-1}$ of $\sqrt{s} = 1.96$ TeV $p\bar{p}$ data taken </p><p> with the CDF II detector at Fermilab. We measure the $W$ boson mass </p><p> to be ($80.374 \pm 0.015_{\rm stat.} \pm 0.016_{\rm syst.}$) </p><p> GeV/c$^2$. This result, when combined with the $W$ mass </p><p> measurement in the electron channel, leads to the single most </p><p> precise $m_W$ value and greatly constrains the possible mass </p><p> range of the undiscovered Higgs boson.</p>Dissertatio