Search for the Standard Model $H \to ZZ^* \to 4l$

The Standard Model Higgs boson discovery potential through its observation in the 4-lepton (electron and muon) final state using the ATLAS detector is investigated. Fully simulated signal and background samples were produced with the latest simulation of the ATLAS detector. The samples were subsequently digitized and reconstructed using the ATLAS offline software. The analysis performance dependence on kinematic, lepton reconstruction and isolation cuts is studied for Higgs boson masses ranging from 120 to 600 GeV. The statistical and systematic uncertainties on the background estimation are evaluated and their impact on the Higgs boson discovery potential and exclusion limits is discussed.