This contribution describes the HOPPET Fortran~95 package for carrying out DGLAP evolution and other common manipulations of PDFs. The PDFs are represented on a grid in $x$-space so as to avoid limitations on the functional form of input distributions. Good speed and accuracy are obtained through the representation of splitting functions in terms of their convolution with a set of piecewise polynomial basis functions. We briefly describe the structure of the code and discuss its quantitative performance. Finally we comment of future directions for the program's development.
This document describes a Fortran 95 package for carrying out DGLAP evolution and other common manipulations of parton distribution functions (PDFs). The PDFs are represented on a grid in x-space so as to avoid limitations on the functional form of input distributions. Good speed and accuracy are obtained through the representation of splitting functions in terms of their convolution with a set of piecewise polynomial basis functions, and Runge-Kutta techniques are used for the evolution in Q. Unpolarised evolution is provided to NNLO, including heavy-quark thresholds in the MSbar scheme, and …
We discuss how the UN2LOPS scheme for matching NNLO calculations to parton showers can be applied to processes with large higher-order perturbative QCD corrections. We focus on Higgs-boson production through gluon fusion as an example. We also present an NNLO fixed-order event generator for this reaction.
We report the parton distribution functions (PDFs) determined from the NNLO QCD analysis of the world inclusive DIS data with account of the precise NNLO QCD corrections to the evolution equations kernel. The value of strong coupling constant α_s^{NNLO}(M_Z)=0.1141(14), in fair agreement with one obtained using the earlier approximate NNLO kernel by van Neerven-Vogt. The intermediate bosons rates calculated in the NNLO using obtained PDFs are in agreement to the latest Run II results.
I describe MiNNLO$_{\rm PS}$, a novel method to match NNLO QCD computations with Parton Showers, and present a selection of results for color-singlet production at the LHC.
We present a parton-shower matched NNLO QCD calculation for hadronic final state production in Deep Inelastic Scattering. The computation is based on the UNLOPS method and is implemented in the publicly available event generation framework SHERPA. Results are compared to measurements performed by the H1 collaboration.
We present a simple approach to combine NNLO QCD calculations and parton showers, based on the UNLOPS technique. We apply the method to the computation of Drell-Yan lepton-pair production at the Large Hadron Collider. We comment on possible improvements and intrinsic uncertainties.
In this talk, we discuss recent developments in combining parton showers and fixed-order calculations. We focus on the UNNLOPS method for matching next-to-next-to-leading order computations to the parton shower, and we present results from Sherpa for Drell-Yan lepton-pair and Higgs-boson production at the LHC.
We present a new set of parton distributions obtained at NNLO. These differ from the previous sets available at NNLO due to improvements in the theoretical treatment. In particular we include a full treatment of heavy flavours in the region near the quark mass. In this way, an essentially complete set of NNLO partons is presented for the first time. The improved treatment leads to a significant change in the gluon and heavy quark distributions, and a larger value of the QCD coupling at NNLO, alpha_S(M_Z^2) = 0.1191 +/- 0.002(expt.) +/- 0.003(theory). Indirectly this also leads to a change in t…
In this study we tried to emphasize the role parton shower plays in event generation, and in the physics of high energy event generation. We achieved this task by comparing the next-to-leading order and next-to-next-to-leading order results from EERAD3 with the next-to-leading order plus parton shower results from Vincia, and comparing both with real data.
It is shown that the previously noted extreme perturbative NNLO/NLO instability of the longitudinal structure function F_L(x,Q^2) is a mere artefact of the commonly utilized `standard' gluon distributions. In particular it is demonstrated that using the appropriate -- dynamically generated -- parton distributions at NLO and NNLO, F_L(x,Q^2) turns out to be perturbatively rather stable already for Q^2 $\geq$ O(2-3 GeV^2).
Based on our recent NNLO dynamical parton distributions as obtained in the `fixed flavor number scheme', we generate radiatively parton distributions in the `variable flavor number scheme' where also the heavy quark flavors (c,b,t) become massless partons within the nucleon. Only within this latter factorization scheme NNLO calculations are feasible at present, since the required partonic subprocesses are only available in the approximation of massless initial-state partons. The NNLO predictions for gauge boson production are typically larger (by more than 1 sigma) than the NLO ones, and rates…
The parton distributions functions (PDFs) derived from the NNLO QCD analysis of existing light-targets deep-inelastic-scattering data are presented. The NLO and NNLO PDFs are compared in order to analyze perturbative stability of the analysis and estimate impact of the higher-order QCD corrections. The main theoretical uncertainties and experimental uncertainties in PDFs due to all sources of experimental errors in data are estimated and used to assess corresponding uncertainties in the cross sections of other hadronic processes.
At the next generation of linear colliders, forward-backward asymmetries will be involved again in the precise determination of the neutral current couplings of heavy quarks in inclusive heavy-quark production. The theoretical understanding of these observables at the level of NNLO radiative corrections is required. We review a recent calculation of the two-parton contribution to the heavy-quark A_FB at NNLO QCD in e+e- collisions. The results are valid for arbitrary values of the momentum transfer and non-vanishing heavy-quark mass m_Q.
Parton distributions in the virtual photon target are investigated in perturbative QCD up to the next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO). In the case $Λ^2 \ll P^2 \ll Q^2$, where $-Q^2$ ($-P^2$) is the mass squared of the probe (target) photon, parton distributions can be predicted completely up to the NNLO, but they are factorisation-scheme-dependent. We analyse parton distributions in two different factorisation schemes, namely $\bar{\rm MS}$ and ${\rm DIS}_γ$ schemes, and discuss their scheme dependence. We show that the factorisation-scheme dependence is characterised by the large-$x$ behavio…
We show at NNLO that the soft factors for double parton scattering (DPS) for both integrated and unintegrated kinematics, can be presented entirely in the terms of the soft factor for single Drell-Yan process, i.e. the transverse momentum dependent (TMD) soft factor. Using the linearity of the logarithm of TMD soft factor in rapidity divergences, we decompose the DPS soft factor matrices into a product of matrices with rapidity divergences in given sectors, and thus, define individual double parton distributions at NNLO. The rapidity anomalous dimension matrices for double parton distributions…
We determine at NNLO (3-loop) of QCD the dynamical parton distributions of the nucleon generated radiatively from valencelike positive input distributions at an optimally chosen low resolution scale (Q_0^2<1 GeV^2) by employing the "fixed flavor number factorization scheme" (FFNS). These are compared with "standard" NNLO distributions, generated at some fixed and higher resolution scale (Q_0^2>1 GeV^2). The NNLO corrections imply in both approaches an improved value of χ^2, typically χ^2_{NNLO} \sim 0.9χ^2_{NLO}. The dynamical NNLO uncertainties are somewhat smaller than the NLO ones and both …
We present a determination of parton distribution functions (ABM11) and the strong coupling constant alpha_s at next-to-leading order and next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) in QCD based on world data for deep-inelastic scattering and fixed-target data for the Drell-Yan process. The analysis is performed in the fixed-flavor number scheme for n_f=3,4,5 and uses the MSbar-scheme for alpha_s and the heavy-quark masses. At NNLO we obtain the value alpha_s(M_Z) = 0.1134 +- 0.0011. The fit results are used to compute benchmark cross sections at hadron colliders to NNLO accuracy and to compare to da…
We use the recent estimates of NNLO splitting functions, made by van Neerven and Vogt, to perform exploratory fits to deep inelastic and related hard scattering data. We investigate the hierarchy of parton distributions obtained at LO, NLO and NNLO, and, more important, the stability of the resulting predictions for physical observables. We use the longitudinal structure function $F_L$ and the cross sections $σ_W, σ_Z$ for $W$ and $Z$ hadroproduction as examples. For $F_L$ we find relatively poor convergence, with increasing order, at small $x$; whereas $σ_{W,Z}$ are much more reliably predict…
We present predictions for hadronic decays of the Higgs boson at next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) in QCD matched with parton shower based on the POWHEG framework. Those include decays into bottom quarks with full bottom-quark mass dependence, light quarks, and gluons in the heavy top quark effective theory. Our calculations describe exclusive decays of the Higgs boson with leading logarithmic accuracy in the Sudakov region and next-to-leading order (NLO) accuracy matched with parton shower in the three-jet region, with normalizations fixed to the partial width at NNLO. We estimated remaini…
We present the new preliminary MRST parton distributions at NLO and NNLO. The analysis includes some new data and there is an improvement in the theoretical treatment at NNLO. Essentially complete NNLO partons are presented for the first time, together with uncertainties.
We perform a NNLO (and a LO) global parton analysis in which we include the new precise data for deep inelastic scattering from HERA and for inclusive jet production at the Tevatron, together with the improved knowledge of the three-loop splitting functions. The results are compared with our recent NLO analyses. The LO fit produces significantly worse results in general, but gives a surprisingly good fit to the Tevatron high-E_T jet data. For the approximate NNLO analysis we notice a slight improvement in the quality of the global fit, and find that the partons are changed by up to 10% at Q^2=…
A new generation of (unpolarized) dynamical parton distribution functions of the nucleon is determined. After introducing basic elements of perturbative QCD, the dynamical model is discussed and compared with the approach to parton distributions used by most other groups ("standard"). Parton distributions sets (with uncertainties) at different orders (LO, NLO, NNLO), using different factorization schemes (\overline{MS}, DIS) and different treatments of heavy quark masses (FFNS, VFNS) are extracted and compared. The astrophysical implications of the dynamical predictions are outlined before foc…
We present for first time the computation at large $q_T$ (or small $b_T$) matching coefficients of Transverse Momentum Dependent Parton Distribution Function (TMDPDF) for linearly polarised to the integrated gluon distribution at next-to-next-to leading order (NNLO). The computation is performed using the modified $δ$-regulator for rapidity divergences and dimensional regularization. This TMDPDF matriz element presnts phenomenological interest in two kind of processes. The factorization of the Higgs production transverse momentum ($q_T$) distribution through gluon-gluon fusion and the quarkoni…
We discuss the influence of fixed target Drell-Yan data on the extraction of parton distribution functions at next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) in QCD. When used in a parton distribution fit, the Drell-Yan (DY) data constrain sea quark distributions at large values of Bjorken x. We find that not all available DY data are useful for improving the precision of parton distribution functions (PDFs) obtained from a fit to the deep inelastic scattering (DIS) data. In particular, some inconsistencies between DIS-based parton distribution functions and DY data for large values of dilepton rapidity …
We consider Higgs boson production at hadron colliders in the gluon fusion channel and compute higher order terms in the regularization parameter $ε$. In particular, the next-to-next-to-leading order cross section is evaluated including order $ε$ terms. These results are used to compute all convolutions with the splitting functions entering the next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order cross section.
We present a determination of the parton distributions of the nucleon from a global set of hard scattering data using the NNPDF methodology at LO and NNLO in perturbative QCD, thereby generalizing to these orders the NNPDF2.1 NLO parton set. Heavy quark masses are included using the so-called FONLL method, which is benchmarked here at NNLO. We demonstrate the stability of PDFs upon inclusion of NNLO corrections, and we investigate the convergence of the perturbative expansion by comparing LO, NLO and NNLO results. We show that the momentum sum rule can be tested with increasing accuracy at LO,…
We present the derivation of the NNLO two-parton final state contributions to top pair production in the quark-antiquark channel proportionnal to the leading colour factor $N_c^2$. Together with the three and four-parton NNLO contributions presented in a previous publication, this enables us to complete the phenomenologically most important NNLO corrections to top pair hadro-production in this channel. We derive this two-parton contribution using the massive extension of the NNLO antenna subtraction formalism and implement those corrections in a parton-level event generator providing full kine…
Utilizing recent DIS measurements (σ_r, F_{2,3,L}) and data on hadronic dilepton production we determine at NNLO (3-loop) of QCD the dynamical parton distributions of the nucleon generated radiatively from valencelike positive input distributions at an optimally chosen low resolution scale (Q_0^2 < 1 GeV^2). These are compared with `standard' NNLO distributions generated from positive input distributions at some fixed and higher resolution scale (Q_0^2 > 1 GeV^2). Although the NNLO corrections imply in both approaches an improved value of χ^2, typically χ^2_{NNLO} \simeq 0.9 χ^2_{NLO}, present…
Sets of parton distribution functions (PDFs) of the proton are reported for the leading (LO), next-to-leading (NLO) and next-to-next-to leading order (NNLO) QCD calculations. The parton distribution functions are determined with the HERAFitter program using the data from the HERA experiments and preserving correlations between uncertainties for the LO, NLO and NNLO PDF sets. The sets are used to study cross-section ratios and their uncertainties when calculated at different orders in QCD. A reduction of the overall theoretical uncertainty is observed if correlations between the PDF sets are ta…
We derive the integrated forms of specific initial-final tree-level four-parton antenna functions involving a massless initial-state parton and a massive final-state fermion as hard radiators. These antennae are needed in the subtraction terms required to evaluate the double real corrections to $t\bar{t}$ hadronic production at the NNLO level stemming from the partonic processes $q\bar{q}\to t\bar{t}q'\bar{q}'$ and $gg\to t\bar{t}q\bar{q}$.
Recent measurements for F_2(x,Q^2) have been analyzed in terms of the `dynamical' and `standard' parton model approach at NLO and NNLO of perturbative QCD. Having fixed the relevant NLO and NNLO parton distributions, the implications and predictions for the longitudinal structure function F_L(x,Q^2) are presented. It is shown that the previously noted extreme perturbative NNLO/NLO instability of F_L(x,Q^2) is an artifact of the commonly utilized `standard' gluon distributions. In particular it is demonstrated that using the appropriate -- dynamically generated -- parton distributions at NLO an…
We describe the calculation of the next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) QCD corrections to three-jet production and related event shape observables in electron-positron annihilation. Infrared singularities due to double real radiation at tree level and single real radiation at one loop are subtracted from the full QCD matrix elements using antenna functions, which are then integrated analytically and added to the two loop contribution. Using this antenna subtraction method, we obtain numerically finite contributions from five-parton and four-parton processes, and observe an explicit analytic c…
A study is made of charm and bottom flavor matching conditions on parton densities. Starting from an $\bar{\rm MS}$ three-flavor density set, where the scale $μ< m_c$, and using the recently derived two-loop matching conditions, we provide a new set of four-flavor parton densities where $ m_c \le μ< m_b$ and five-flavor densities where $μ\ge m_b$. The effect of the next-to-next-to-leading order matching conditions on the evolution equations is important for scales just above the transition regions. This includes the small $x$ and small $Q^2$ domain studied by the H1 and ZEUS experiments at HER…
We consider the collinear limit of QCD amplitudes at one-loop order, and their factorization properties directly in colour space. These results apply to the multiple collinear limit of an arbitrary number of QCD partons, and are a basic ingredient in many higher-order computations. In particular, we discuss the triple collinear limit and its relation to flavour asymmetries in the QCD evolution of parton densities at three loops. As a phenomenological consequence of this new effect, and of the fact that the nucleon has non-vanishing quark valence densities, we study the perturbative generation …
We present new sets of nuclear parton distribution functions (nPDFs) at next-to-leading order (NLO) and next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO). Our analyses are based on deeply inelastic scattering data with charged-lepton and neutrino beams on nuclear targets. In addition, a set of proton baseline PDFs is fitted within the same framework with the same theoretical assumptions. The results of this global QCD analysis are compared to existing nPDF sets and to the fitted cross sections. Also, the uncertainties resulting from the limited constraining power of the included experimental data are prese…
A non-singlet QCD analysis of the structure function $xF_3$ up to NNLO is performed based on the Bernstein polynomials approach. We use recently calculated NNLO anomalous dimension coefficients for the moments of the $xF_3$ structure function in $νN$ scattering. In the fitting procedure, Bernstein polynomial method is used to construct experimental moments from the $xF_3$ data of the CCFR collaboration in the region of $x$ which is inaccessible experimentally. We also consider Bernstein averages to obtain some unknown parameters which exist in the valence quark densities in a wide range of $x$…
We present a subtraction method utilizing the N-jettiness observable, Tau_N, to perform QCD calculations for arbitrary processes at next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO). Our method employs soft-collinear effective theory (SCET) to determine the IR singular contributions of N-jet cross sections for Tau_N -> 0, and uses these to construct suitable Tau_N-subtractions. The construction is systematic and economic, due to being based on a physical observable. The resulting NNLO calculation is fully differential and in a form directly suitable for combining with resummation and parton showers. We exp…
We calculate in this paper the perturbative gluon transverse momentum dependent parton distribution functions (TMDPDFs) and fragmentation functions (TMDFFs) using the exponential regulator for rapidity divergences. We obtain results for both unpolarized and linearly polarized distributions through next-to-next-to leading order in strong coupling constant, and through ${\cal O}(ε^2)$ in dimensional regulator (finding discrepancy for the linearly polarized gluon TMDPDFs with a previous result in the literature). We find a nontrivial momentum conservation sum rule for the linearly polarized compo…
We determine the strong coupling alpha_s at NNLO in perturbative QCD using the global dataset input to the NNPDF2.1 NNLO parton fit: data from neutral and charged current deep-inelastic scattering, Drell-Yan, vector boson production and inclusive jets. We find alpha_s(M_Z)=0.1173+- 0.0007 (stat), where the statistical uncertainty comes from the underlying data and uncertainties due to the analysis procedure are negligible. We show that the distribution of alpha_s values preferred by different experiments in the global fit is statistically consistent, without need for rescaling uncertainties by…
Perturbative calculations at next-to-next-to-leading order for multi-particle final states require a method to cancel infrared singularities. I discuss the subtraction method at NNLO. As a concrete example I consider the leading-colour contributions to e+ e- --> 2 jets. This is the simplest example which exhibits all essential features. For this example, explicit subtraction terms are given, which approximate the four-parton and three-parton final states in all double and single unresolved limits, such that the subtracted matrix elements can be integrated numerically.
We discuss the main features of the recent NNPDF2.1 NLO set, a determination of parton distributions from a global set of hard scattering data using the NNPDF methodology including heavy quark mass effects. We present the implications for LHC observables of this new PDF set. Then we briefly review recent NNPDF progress towards NNLO sets, and in particular the impact of the treatment of fixed target NMC data on NNLO Higgs cross sections.
In this paper, we present {\tt SMKA18} analysis which is a first attempt to extract the set of next-to-next-leading-order (NNLO) spin-dependent parton distribution functions (spin-dependent PDFs) and their uncertainties determined through the Laplace transform technique and Jacobi polynomial approach. Using the Laplace transformations, we present an analytical solution for the spin-dependent Dokshitzer-Gribov-Lipatov-Altarelli-Parisi evolution equations at NNLO approximation. The results are extracted using a wide range of proton $g_1^{p}(x, Q^2)$, neutron $g_1^{n}(x, Q^2)$ and deuteron $g_1^{…
We present a general method to match fully differential next-to-next-to-leading (NNLO) calculations to parton shower programs. We discuss in detail the perturbative accuracy criteria a complete NNLO+PS matching has to satisfy. Our method is based on consistently improving a given NNLO calculation with the leading-logarithmic (LL) resummation in a chosen jet resolution variable. The resulting NNLO$+$LL calculation is cast in the form of an event generator for physical events that can be directly interfaced with a parton shower routine, and we give an explicit construction of the input "Monte Ca…
We report on the first calculation of the structure function g_1 in polarised deep-inelastic scattering to the third order in massless perturbative QCD. The calculation follows the dispersive approach already used for the corresponding unpolarised cases of F_2,L, but additionally involves higher tensor integrals and the Dirac matrix gamma_5 in D unequal 4 dimensions. Our results confirm all known two-loop expressions including the coefficient functions of Zijlstra and van Neerven not independently verified before. At three loops we extract the helicity-difference next-to-next-to-leading order …
I present a brief summary of the most important updates in the MRST determinations of the NLO and NNLO parton distributions. I concentrate on uncertainties due to input assumptions and possible theoretical corrections, particularly isospin violation, QED corrections, NNLO and corrections at low Q^2 and small x.
We present results for the Higgsstrahlung process within the GENEVA Monte Carlo framework. We combine the fully differential NNLO calculation with the higher-order resummation in the 0-jettiness resolution variable (beam-thrust). The resulting parton-level events are further showered and hadronised by Pythia8. The beam-thrust resummation is carried out to NNLL$'$ accuracy, which consistently incorporates all singular virtual and real NNLO corrections. It thus provides a natural perturbative connection between the NNLO calculation and the parton shower regime, including a systematic assessment …
We revisit the calculation of perturbative quark transverse momentum dependent parton distribution functions and fragmentation functions using the exponential regulator for rapidity divergences. We show that the exponential regulator provides a consistent framework for the calculation of various ingredients in transverse momentum dependent factorization. Compared to existing regulators in the literature, the exponential regulator has a couple of advantages which we explain in detail. As a result, the calculation is greatly simplified and we are able to obtain the next-to-next-to-leading order …
The computation of exclusive QCD jet observables at higher orders requires a method for the subtraction of infrared singular configurations arising from multiple radiation of real partons. We present a subtraction scheme relevant for NNLO perturbative calculations in $e^+e^- \to $ jets. The building blocks of the scheme are antenna functions derived from the matrix elements for tree-level $1\to 3$ and $1 \to 4$ and one-loop $1 \to 3$ processes. By construction, these building blocks have the correct infrared behaviour when one or two particles are unresolved. At the same time, their integral o…
Fast interpolation-grid frameworks facilitate an efficient and flexible evaluation of higher-order predictions for any choice of parton distribution functions or value of the strong coupling $α_s$. They constitute an essential tool for the extraction of parton distribution functions and Standard Model parameters, as well as studies of the dependence of cross sections on the renormalisation and factorisation scales. The APPLfast project provides a generic interface between the parton-level Monte Carlo generator NNLOJET and both the APPLgrid and the fastNLO libraries for the grid interpolation. …
The production of two jets is the simplest exclusive quantum chromodynamics process in electron-positron annihilation. Using this process, we examine the structure of next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) corrections to jet production observables. We derive a subtraction formalism including double real radiation at tree level and single real radiation at one loop. For two-jet production, these subtraction terms coincide with the full matrix elements, thus highlighting the phase space structure of the subtraction procedure. We then analytically compute the infrared singularities arising from eac…
We report on the computation of a class of integrals that appear when integrating the so-called iterated singly-unresolved approximate cross section of the NNLO subtraction scheme of [1-4], over the factorised phase space of unresolved partons. The integrated approximate cross section itself can be written as the product of an insertion operator (in colour space) times the Born cross section. We give selected results for the insertion operator for processes with two and three hard partons in the final state.
We present the first calculation of a fully-unintegrated parton distribution (beam function) at next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO). We obtain the fully-differential beam function for quark-initiated processes by matching it onto standard parton distribution functions (PDFs) at two loops. The fully-differential beam function is a universal ingredient in resummed predictions of observables probing both the virtuality as well as the transverse momentum of the incoming quark in addition to its usual longitudinal momentum fraction. For such double-differential observables our result provides the …
We describe the details of the calculation of the full colour NNLO QCD corrections to jet production observables at the LHC with antenna subtraction. All relevant matrix elements for the process $pp \to jj$ at NNLO in full colour are colour-decomposed and given in a $N_c$ and $n_f$ expansion, making identification of leading and subleading colour contributions transparent. The colour-ordered antenna subtraction method has previously successfully been used to construct the NNLO subtraction terms for processes with up to five partons or in the leading colour approximation. However, it is challen…
We present results for Drell-Yan production from the GENEVA Monte-Carlo framework. We combine the fully-differential NNLO calculation with higher-order resummation in the 0-jettiness resolution variable. The resulting parton-level events are further combined with parton showering and hadronization provided by PYTHIA8. The 0-jettiness resummation is carried out to NNLL', which consistently incorporates all singular virtual and real NNLO corrections. It thus provides a natural perturbative connection between the NNLO calculation and the parton shower regime, including a systematic assessment of …
