Comparison of the Z/ γ ∗ + jets to γ + jets cross sections in pp collisions at √{s}=8 TeV

A comparison of the differential cross sections for the processes Z/ γ ^* + jets and photon ( γ)+jets is presented. The measurements are based on data collected with the CMS detector at √{s}=8 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb^-1. The differential cross sections and their ratios are presented as functions of p _T. The measurements are also shown as functions of the jet multiplicity. Differential cross sections are obtained as functions of the ratio of the Z/ γ ^* p _T to the sum of all jet transverse momenta and of the ratio of the Z/ γ ^* p _T to the leading jet transverse momentum. The data are corrected for detector effects and are compared to simulations based on several QCD calculations. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]