On parton distributions beyond the leading order

The importance of properly taking into account the factorization scheme dependence of parton distribution functions is emphasized. A serious error in the usual handling of this topic is pointed out and the correct procedure for transforming parton distribution functions from one factorisation scheme to another recalled. It is shown that the conventional $\overline{\rm {MS}}$ and DIS definitions thereof are ill-defined due to the lack of distinction between the factorisation scheme dependence of parton distribution functions and renormalisation scheme dependence of the strong coupling constant $\alpha_s$. A novel definition of parton distribution functions is suggested and its role in the construction of consistent next-to-leading order event generators briefly outlined.Comment: PRA-HEP-93/05, Latex, 10 pages and 2 Postscript figures appended at the end of this fil

Investigation of the factorization scheme dependence of finite order perturbative QCD calculations

The freedom associated with the definition of parton distribution functions is analyzed and formulae governing the dependence of parton distribution functions and hard scattering cross-sections on unphysical quantities associated with the renormalization and factorization procedure are derived. The issue of the specification of factorization schemes via the corresponding higher order splitting functions is discussed in detail. A numerical analysis of the practical applicability of the so called ZERO factorization scheme, which could be useful for the construction of consistent NLO Monte Carlo event generators, is presented.Comment: 44 pages, 6 figures, journal version of the text accepted for publication in JHE

Geometry of gauge links in operator definitions of transverse-momentum dependent PDFs: A comparative view

Different approaches to the problem of a gauge-invariant operator definition of transverse-momentum dependent parton densities (TMDs) are reviewed and compared from the point of view of their compatibility with the operator definition of collinear (integrated) parton distribution functions. In particular, geometry of the longitudinal and transverse gauge links (Wilson lines) both in unsubtracted quark TMDs and in the associate soft factors is addressed. A possible connection between different operator definitions is also discussed.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures. Presented at the International Conference "Photon-2011", 22-27 May 2011 Spa, Belgiu

Collinear factorization for deep inelastic scattering structure functions at large Bjorken xB

We examine the uncertainty of perturbative QCD factorization for hadron structure functions in deep inelastic scattering at a large value of the Bjorken variable xB. We analyze the target mass correction to the structure functions by using the collinear factorization approach in the momentum space. We express the long distance physics of structure functions and the leading target mass corrections in terms of parton distribution functions with the standard operator definition. We compare our result with existing work on the target mass correction. We also discuss the impact of a final-state jet function on the extraction of parton distributions at large fractional momentum x.Comment: 18 pages, 10 figures; discussion on baryon number conservation clarifie

A QCD Analysis of Double Parton Scattering: Color Correlations, Interference Effects and Evolution

We derive a factorization formula for the double Drell-Yan cross section in terms of double parton distribution functions (dPDFs). Diparton flavor, spin and color correlations and parton-exchange interference terms contribute, even for unpolarized beams. Soft radiation effects are nontrivial for the color correlation and interference contributions, and are described by non-perturbative soft functions. We provide a field-theoretic definition of the quark dPDFs and study some of their basic properties, including discrete symmetries and their interpretation in a non-relativistic quark model. We calculate the renormalization group evolution of the quark dPDFs and of the soft functions. The evolution receives contributions from both ultraviolet and rapidity divergences. We find that color correlation and interference effects are Sudakov suppressed, greatly reducing the number of dPDFs needed to describe double parton scattering at high energy experiments.Comment: 24 pages, 15 figures, v2: added WW cross section, additional spin structures, finite terms of one-loop soft function, journal versio

Transverse parton distribution functions at next-to-next-to-leading order: the quark-to-quark case

We present a calculation of the perturbative quark-to-quark transverse parton distribution function at next-to-next-to-leading order based on a gauge invariant operator definition. We demonstrate for the first time that such a definition works beyond the first non-trivial order. We extract from our calculation the coefficient functions relevant for a next-to-next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic $Q_T$ resummation in a large class of processes at hadron colliders.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, revised version, accepted for publication in PR

Calculation of the transverse parton distribution functions at next-to-next-to-leading order

We describe the perturbative calculation of the transverse parton distribution functions in all partonic channels up to next-to-next-to-leading order based on a gauge invariant operator definition. We demonstrate the cancellation of light-cone divergences and show that universal process-independent transverse parton distribution functions can be obtained through a refactorization. Our results serve as the first explicit higher-order calculation of these functions starting from first principles, and can be used to perform next-to-next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic q ( )T( ) resummation for a large class of processes at hadron colliders