JIMWLK evolution in the Gaussian approximation

We demonstrate that the Balitsky-JIMWLK equations describing the high-energy evolution of the n-point functions of the Wilson lines (the QCD scattering amplitudes in the eikonal approximation) admit a controlled mean field approximation of the Gaussian type, for any value of the number of colors Nc. This approximation is strictly correct in the weak scattering regime at relatively large transverse momenta, where it reproduces the BFKL dynamics, and in the strong scattering regime deeply at saturation, where it properly describes the evolution of the scattering amplitudes towards the respective black disk limits. The approximation scheme is fully specified by giving the 2-point function (the S-matrix for a color dipole), which in turn can be related to the solution to the Balitsky-Kovchegov equation, including at finite Nc. Any higher n-point function with n greater than or equal to 4 can be computed in terms of the dipole S-matrix by solving a closed system of evolution equations (a simplified version of the respective Balitsky-JIMWLK equations) which are local in the transverse coordinates. For simple configurations of the projectile in the transverse plane, our new results for the 4-point and the 6-point functions coincide with the high-energy extrapolations of the respective results in the McLerran-Venugopalan model. One cornerstone of our construction is a symmetry property of the JIMWLK evolution, that we notice here for the first time: the fact that, with increasing energy, a hadron is expanding its longitudinal support symmetrically around the light-cone. This corresponds to invariance under time reversal for the scattering amplitudes.Comment: v2: 45 pages, 4 figures, various corrections, section 4.4 updated, to appear in JHE

CGC, Hydrodynamics, and the Parton Energy Loss

Hadron spectra in Au+Au collisions at RHIC are calculated by hydrodynamics with initial conditions from the Color Glass Condensate (CGC). Minijet components with parton energy loss in medium are also taken into account by using parton density obtained from hydrodynamical simulations. We found that CGC provides a good initial condition for hydrodynamics in Au+Au collisions at RHIC.Comment: Quark Matter 2004 contribution, 4 pages, 2 figure

What is the Evidence for the Color Glass Condensate?

I introduce the concept of the Color Glass Condensate. I review data from HERA and RHIC which suggest that such a universal form of matter has been found

Regge Field Theory in zero transverse dimensions: loops versus "net" diagrams

Toy models of interacting Pomerons with triple and quaternary Pomeron vertices in zero transverse dimension are investigated. Numerical solutions for eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the corresponding Hamiltonians are obtained, providing the quantum solution for the scattering amplitude in both models. The equations of motion for the Lagrangians of the theories are also considered and the classical solutions of the equations are found. Full two-point Green functions ("effective" Pomeron propagator) and amplitude of diffractive dissociation process are calculated in the framework of RFT-0 approach. The importance of the loops contribution in the amplitude at different values of the model parameters is discussed as well as the difference between the models with and without quaternary Pomeron vertex.Comment: 34 pages, 36 figure

QCD at small x and nucleus-nucleus collisions

At large collision energy sqrt(s) and relatively low momentum transfer Q, one expects a new regime of Quantum Chromo-Dynamics (QCD) known as "saturation". This kinematical range is characterized by a very large occupation number for gluons inside hadrons and nuclei; this is the region where higher twist contributions are as large as the leading twist contributions incorporated in collinear factorization. In this talk, I discuss the onset of and dynamics in the saturation regime, some of its experimental signatures, and its implications for the early stages of Heavy Ion Collisions.Comment: Plenary talk given at QM2006, Shanghai, November 2006. 8 pages, 8 figure

Limiting fragmentation in hadron-hadron collisions at high energies

Limiting fragmentation in proton-proton, deuteron-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions is analyzed in the framework of the Balitsky-Kovchegov equation in high energy QCD. Good agreement with experimental data is obtained for a wide range of energies. Further detailed tests of limiting fragmentation at RHIC and the LHC will provide insight into the evolution equations for high energy QCD.Comment: 28 pages, 10 figures (2 new figures, text slightly expanded, and some additional references