We consider within QCD collinear factorization the process p+p to jet + jet
+X, where two forward high-pT jets are produced with a large separation in
rapidity Δy (Mueller-Navelet jets). In this case the (calculable) hard
part of the reaction receives large higher-order corrections ∼αsn(Δy)n, which can be accounted for in the BFKL approach. In particular,
we calculate in the next-to-leading order the impact factor (vertex) for the
production of a forward high-pT jet, in the approximation of small aperture
of the jet cone in the pseudorapidity-azimuthal angle plane. The final
expression for the vertex turns out to be simple and easy to implement in
numerical calculations.Comment: 32 pages, 4 figures; a few comments and one reference added; a few
inessential misprints removed; version to appear on JHE