Angular ordering and parton showers for non-global QCD observables

We study the mismatch between a full calculation of non-global single-logarithms in the large-N_c limit and an approximation based on free azimuthal averaging, and the consequent angular-ordered pattern of soft gluon radiation in QCD. We compare the results obtained in either case to those obtained from the parton showers in the Monte Carlo event generators HERWIG and PYTHIA, with the aim of assessing the accuracy of the parton showers with regard to such observables where angular ordering is merely an approximation even at leading-logarithmic accuracy and which are commonly employed for the tuning of event generators to data.Comment: 20 pages, 8 figure

Aspects of power corrections in hadron-hadron collisions

The program of understanding inverse-power law corrections to event shapes and energy flow observables in e+ e- annihilation to two jets and DIS (1+1) jets has been a significant success of QCD phenomenology over the last decade. The important extension of this program to similar observables in hadron collisions is not straightforward, being obscured by both conceptual and technical issues. In this paper we shed light on some of these issues by providing an estimate of power corrections to the inter-jet E_t flow distribution in hadron collisions using the techniques that were employed in the e+ e- annihilation and DIS cases.Comment: 15 pages, 1 figure, uses JHEP3.cl

The aT distribution of the Z boson at hadron colliders

We provide the first theoretical study of a novel variable, $a_T$, proposed in Ref.[1] as a more accurate probe of the region of low transverse momentum $p_T$, for the $Z$ boson $p_T$ distribution at hadron colliders. The $a_T$ is the component of $p_T$ transverse to a suitably defined axis. Our study involves resummation of large logarithms in $a_T$ up to the next-to--leading logarithmic accuracy and we compare the results to those for the well-known $p_T$ distribution, identifying important physical differences between the two cases. We also test our resummed result at the two-loop level by comparing its expansion to order $\alpha_s^2$ with the corresponding fixed-order results and find agreement with our expectations.Comment: 30 pages, 3 figures, JHEP class included. Final version published in JHE

Generalized resummation of QCD final-state observables

The resummation of logarithmically-enhanced terms to all perturbative orders is a prerequisite for many studies of QCD final-states. Until now such resummations have always been performed by hand, for a single observable at a time. In this letter we present a general `master' resummation formula (and applicability conditions), suitable for a large class of observables. This makes it possible for next-to-leading logarithmic resummations to be carried out automatically given only a computer routine for the observable. To illustrate the method we present the first next-to-leading logarithmic resummed prediction for an event shape in hadronic dijet production.Comment: 9 pages, 1 figure; v2 includes substantial amplifications and clarification

Semi-numerical resummation of event shapes

For many event-shape observables, the most difficult part of a resummation in the Born limit is the analytical treatment of the observable's dependence on multiple emissions, which is required at single logarithmic accuracy. We present a general numerical method, suitable for a large class of event shapes, which allows the resummation specifically of these single logarithms. It is applied to the case of the thrust major and the oblateness, which have so far defied analytical resummation and to the two-jet rate in the Durham algorithm, for which only a subset of the single logs had up to now been calculated.Comment: 29 pages, 7 figures. Version 2 adds some clarifications, a reference, as well as corrections to the subleading fixed-order coefficients and to figures 4 and

QCD analysis of near-to-planar 3-jet events

Perturbative QCD analysis is presented of the cumulative out-of-plane momentum distribution in the near-to-planar e+e- annihilation events, K_out << Q. In this kinematical region multiple gluon radiation effects become essential. They are resummed with the single-logarithmic accuracy, which programme includes the 2-loop treatment of the basic radiation and matching with the exact O(alpha_s^2) result. Dedicated experimental analyses of 3-jet event characteristics are of special interest for the study of the non-perturbative confinement effects.Comment: 32 pages, 1 figure, JHEP class include

QCD analysis of D-parameter in near-to-planar three-jet events

We present the QCD analysis of D-parameter distribution in near-to-planar 3-jet e+e- annihilation events. We derive the all-order resummed perturbative prediction and the leading power suppressed non-perturbative corrections both to the mean value and the distribution. Here non-perturbative corrections are larger than in 2-jet shape observables, so that higher order non-perturbative effects could be relevant. Experimental data (not yet available) are needed in order to cast light on this important point. The technique we develop aims at improving the accuracy of the theoretical description of multi-jet ensembles, in particular in hadron-hadron collisions.Comment: 26 pages, 6 figures, JHEP class include