The current status of the theoretical understanding of the transverse-momentum dependent parton densities (TMDs) is discussed. Special attention is payed to the difference between the operator definitions of TMDs proposed so far, the treatment of specific divergences, the geometry of the gauge links, and the role of the soft factors.
Rapidity divergences occur when parton densities in a gauge theory are defined in the most natural way, as expectation values of partonic number operators in light-front quantization. I review these and other related divergences, and show how the definitions of parton densities can be modified to remove the divergences. A modified definition is not only essential for many phenomenological applications of QCD, but also concerns the treatment of parton densities in non-perturbative approaches. The necessity of modifications in the definition of a parton density also entails corrections in the fo…
This is a brief survey of the present state of ideas concerning the parton content of the nucleon spin after their ten-years evolution since the discovery of the EMC.
We complete the study of two-loop infrared singularities of scattering amplitudes with an arbitrary number of massive and massless partons in non-abelian gauge theories. To this end, we calculate the universal functions F_1 and f_2, which completely specify the structure of three-parton correlations in the soft anomalous-dimension matrix, at two-loop order in closed analytic form. Both functions are found to be suppressed like O(m^4/s^2) in the limit of small parton masses, in accordance with mass factorization theorems proposed in the literature. On the other hand, they are unsuppressed and d…
The flow of information in high-energy collisions has been recently investigated by various groups: this includes the entanglement entropy of the proton becoming classical information entropy of pdfs, jet splitting affecting entropy, or the entropy distribution in hadron decays. Here we examine fragmentation functions in this context, including their entropy as probability distributions, and propose it as one convenient number to characterize progress in their extraction. We also use the Kullback-Leibler divergence to examine relations between FFs and pdfs such as that of Barone, Drago and Ma.
We discuss the state-of-the-art of the theory of transverse-momentum dependent parton densities (TMD)s, paying special attention to their renormalization properties, the structure of the gauge links in the operator definition, and the role of the soft factor in the factorization formula within the TMD approach to the semi-inclusive processes. We argue that the use of the lightcone axial gauge offers certain advantages for a consistent definition of TMDs as compared to the off-the-light-cone gauges, or covariant gauges with off-the-lightcone gauge links.
We discuss the structure of rapidity divergences that are presented in the soft factors of transverse momentum dependent (TMD) factorization theorems. To provide the discussion on the most general level we consider soft factors for multi-parton scattering. We show that the rapidity divergences are result of the gluon exchanges with the distant transverse plane, and are structurally equivalent to the ultraviolet divergences. It allows to formulate and to prove the renormalization theorem for rapidity divergences. The proof is made with the help the conformal transformation which maps rapidity d…
We prove collinear factorization theorem for the process $πγ^*\toπ$ at the twist-3 level in the covariant gauge by means of the Ward identity, concentrating on the two-parton case. It is shown that soft divergences cancel and collinear divergences are grouped into the pseudo-scalar and pseudo-tensor two-parton twist-3 pion distribution amplitudes. The delicate summation of a complete set of diagrams for achieving factorization in momentum, spin, and color spaces is emphasized. The proof is then extended to the exclusive semileptonic decay $B\toπl\barν$, assuming the hard scale to be of $O(\sqr…
Quasi-parton distribution functions have received a lot of attentions in both perturbative QCD and lattice QCD communities in recent years because they not only carry good information on the parton distribution functions, but also could be evaluated by lattice QCD simulations. However, unlike the parton distribution functions, the quasi-parton distribution functions have perturbative ultraviolet power divergences because they are not defined by twist-2 operators. In this paper, we identify all sources of ultraviolet divergences for the quasi-parton distribution functions in coordinate-space, a…
I give an account of the definitions of parton densities, both the conventional ones, integrated over parton transverse momentum, and unintegrated transverse-momentum-dependent densities. The aim is to get a precise and correct definition of a parton density as the target expectation value of a suitable quantum mechanical operator, so that a clear connection to non-perturbative QCD is provided. Starting from the intuitive ideas in the parton model that predate QCD, we will see how the simplest operator definitions suffer from divergences. Corrections to the definition are needed to eliminate t…
Parton Reggeization approach is the scheme of kT-factorization for multiscale hard processes, which is based on the Lipatov's gauge invariant effective field theory (EFT) for high energy processes in QCD. The new type of rapidity divergences, associated with the log 1/x-corrections, appears in the loop corrections in this formalism. The covariant procedure of regularization of rapidity divergences, preserving the gauge invariance of effective action is described. As an example application, the one-loop correction to the propagator of Reggeized quark and gamma Q q -scattering vertex are compute…
Transverse-momentum-dependent parton distribution functions are analyzed in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering at low transverse momentum using soft-collinear effective theory. The transverse-momentum-dependent parton distribution functions are defined on the lightcone without distorting the lightcone path nor adding additional soft Wilson lines. In this approach, the comparison between the integrated and unintegrated parton distribution functions becomes transparent. The procedure of computing radiative corrections in dimensional regularization is explained in detail, and the divergence…
The infrared divergences of QCD scattering amplitudes can be derived from an anomalous dimension Γ, which is a matrix in color space and depends on the momenta and masses of the external partons. It has recently been shown that in cases where there are at least two massive partons involved in the scattering process, starting at two-loop order Γreceives contributions involving color and momentum correlations between three (and more) partons. The three-parton correlations can be described by two universal functions F_1 and f_2. In this paper these functions are calculated at two-loop order in cl…
I review some open questions relating to the large transverse momentum divergences in transverse moments of transverse momentum dependent (TMD) parton correlation func- tions. I also explain, in an abbreviated and summarized form, recent work that shows that the resulting violations of a commonly used integral relation are not perturbatively suppressed. I argue that this implies a need for more precise definitions for the correlation functions used to describe transverse moments.
Recent developments showed that hadron light-cone parton distributions could be directly extracted from spacelike correlators, known as quasi parton distributions, in the large hadron momentum limit. Unlike the normal light-cone parton distribution, a quasi parton distribution contains ultraviolet (UV) power divergence associated with the Wilson line self energy. We show that to all orders in the coupling expansion, the power divergence can be removed by a "mass" counterterm in the auxiliary $z$-field formalism, in the same way as the renormalization of power divergence for an open Wilson line…
We present here a possible resolution of the jet quenching parameter $\hat{q}$ puzzle by exploring the momentum fraction $x$ and scale $Q^2$ dependence of $\hat{q}$, in addition to temperature dependence. We explore the momentum broadening of the jet due to Glauber gluon exchange with the quark-gluon plasma (QGP). This has led us to define the momentum fraction $x$ for the partons in the QGP. We also show here, for the first time, possible forms of the parton distribution function (PDF) of the QGP. The QGP-PDF as input in $\hat{q}$ has been used to fit the PHENIX and CMS data simultaneously. W…
We show that there exist uncanceled soft divergences in the k_T factorization for nonfactorizable amplitudes of two-body nonleptonic B meson decays, similar to those identified in hadron hadroproduction. These divergences can be grouped into a soft factor using the eikonal approximation, which is then treated as an additional nonperturbative input in the perturbative QCD formalism. Viewing the special role of the pion as a q-qbar bound state and as a pseudo Nambu-Goldstone boson, we postulate that the soft effect associated with it is significant. This soft factor enhances the nonfactorizable …
We propose a consistent treatment of divergences emerging in the computation of transverse-momentum-dependent parton densities in leading $α_s$-order of QCD perturbation theory.
The ultraviolet and rapidity divergences of transverse-momentum dependent parton distribution functions with lightlike and transverse gauge links is studied, also incorporating a soft eikonal factor. We find that in the light-cone gauge with $q^-$-independent pole prescriptions extra divergences appear which amount, at one-loop, to a cusp-like anomalous dimension. We show that such contributions are absent when the Mandelstam-Leibbrandt prescription is used. In the first case, the soft factor cancels the anomalous-dimension defect, while in the second case its ultraviolet-divergent part reduce…
We present an attempt to probe the underlying structure of the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) at high resolution, based on the extracted jet transport coefficient $\hat{q}$. We argue that the exchanged momentum $k$ between the hard parton and the medium varies over a range of scales, and for $k\geq$ 1 GeV, $\hat{q}$ can be expressed in terms of a parton distribution function (PDF). Because the mass of a QGP constituent is unknown, we define a scaling variable $x_N$ to represent the ratio of the parton momentum to the momentum of a self-contained section of the plasma which has a mass of 1 GeV. This …
The orbital angular momentum of quarks and gluons contributes significantly to the proton spin budget and attracted a lot of attention in the recent years, both theoretically and experimentally. We summarize the various definitions of parton orbital angular momentum together with their relations with parton distributions functions. In particular, we highlight current theoretical puzzles and give some prospects.
Theoretical progress on the formulation and classification of the quark and gluon orbital angular momenta (OAM) is reviewed. Their relation to parton distributions and open questions and puzzles are discussed. We give a status report on the lattice calculation of the parton kinetic and canonical OAM and point out several strategies to calculate the quark and gluon canonical OAM on the lattice.
The fact that the spins of the quarks in the proton, as measured in deep inelastic lepton scattering, only add up to about 30$\%$ of the spin of the proton is still not understood after 30 years. We show that our newly developed model for the quark and gluon momentum distributions in the proton, based on quantum fluctuations of the proton into baryon-meson pairs convoluted with Gaussian momentum distributions of partons in hadrons, can essentially reproduce the data on the proton spin structure function $g_1^P(x)$ and the associated spin asymmetry. A further improved description of the data is…
A completely new strategy to calculate parton distribution functions on the lattice has recently been proposed. In this method, lattice calculable observables, called quasi distributions, are related to normal distributions. The quasi distributions are known to contain power-law UV divergences arise from a Wilson line in the non-local operator, while the normal distributions only have logatithmic UV divergences. We propose possible method to subtract the power divegence to make the matching of the quasi with the normal distributions well-defined. We also demonstrate the matching of the quasi q…
We present the first attempt to extract the "$x$" dependence of the parton distribution function (PDF) of the quark gluon plasma (QGP). In the absence of knowledge regarding the mass of a QGP constituent, we define the new variable $x_N$, the nucleonic momentum fraction, which represents the ratio of the momentum of the parton to that of a self-contained section of the plasma that has the mass of a nucleon. Calculations are compared to data for single hadron suppression in terms of the nuclear modification factor $R_{AA}$ and the azimuthal anisotropy parameter $v_{2}$, as a function of transve…
To calculate the transverse-momentum-dependent parton distribution functions (TMDPDFs) from lattice QCD, an important goal yet to be realized, it is crucial to establish a viable non-perturbative renormalization approach for linear divergences in the corresponding Euclidean quasi-TMDPDF correlators in large-momentum effective theory. We perform a first systematic study of the renormalization property of the quasi-TMDPDFs by calculating the relevant matrix elements in a pion state at 5 lattice spacings ranging from 0.03 fm to 0.12 fm. We demonstrate that the square root of the Wilson loop combi…
We consider the definition of a transverse-momentum-dependent parton distribution function (TMDPDF) and its evolution properties given a factorization theorem of Drell- Yan lepton pair production with a non-vanishing transverse momentum. We discuss rapidity divergences that exist in both limits of QCD: the soft and collinear. We argue that only when a specific combination of the soft and collinear matrix elements is formed, rapidity divergences cancel. We also argue that the soft matrix element, calculated in perturbation theory, contains only rapidity divergences and there is no genuine long-…
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 investigate the transverse momentum dependent parton distributions (TMDs) in the quasi-parton-distribution framework. The long standing hurdle of the so-called pinch pole singularity from the space-like gauge links in the TMD definitions can be resolved by the finite length of the gauge link along the hadron moving direction. In addition, with the soft factor subtraction, the quasi-TMD is free of linear divergence. We further demonstrate that the energy evolution equation of the quasi-TMD a.k.a. the Collins-Soper evolution, only depends on the hadron momentum. This leads to a clear matching…
Large-Momentum Effective Theory (or LaMET) advocated by the present authors provides a direct approach to simulate parton physics in Eulidean lattice QCD theory. Recently, there has been much interest in this theory in the literature, with some questioning its validity and effectiveness. Here we provide some discussions aiming at a further exposition of this approach. In particular, we explain why it does not have the usual power divergence problem in lattice QCD calculations for the moments of parton distributions. We show that although the Ioffe-time distribution provides an alternative way …
We point out that the analysis in arXiv:1003.0482 actually verifies the universality of transverse momentum dependent quark distributions at small $x$, which supports the observation in our earlier work arXiv:0904.4150. Once the gluon exchanges responsible for the additional infrared divergences are factorized and summed into an exponential factor, it can be expressed as a matrix element of Wilson line operators, and treated as a nonperturbative input to the $k_T$ factorization of $pA$ collisions. The same exponential factor has been extracted from $pp$ collisions in arXiv:0904.4150, rendering…
We present a completely gauge-invariant operator definition of transverse-momentum-dependent parton densities (TMD), supplied with longitudinal lightlike gauge links as well as transverse gauge links at lightcone infinity. Within this framework, we consider the consistent treatment of specific divergences, emerging in the "unsubtracted" TMD beyond the tree approximation, and construct the soft factors to cancel unphysical singularities. We confront this approach with factorization schemes, which make use of covariant gauges with off-the-lightcone gauge links, and discuss their mutual connectio…
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…
It is argued that the definition of the twist-3 transverse momentum dependent correlation functions must be modified if they contain light-like Wilson lines. In the framework of a simple spectator model of the nucleon we show explicitly the presence of a light-cone divergence for a specific twist-3 time-reversal odd parton density. This divergence emerges for all eight twist-3 T-odd correlators and appears also in the case of a quark target in perturbative QCD. The divergence can be removed by using non-light-like Wilson lines. Based on our results we argue that currently there exists no estab…
We perform the first global QCD analysis of polarized inclusive and semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering and single-inclusive $e^+e^-$ annihilation data, fitting simultaneously the parton distribution and fragmentation functions using the iterative Monte Carlo method. Without imposing SU(3) symmetry relations, we find the strange polarization to be very small, consistent with zero for both inclusive and semi-inclusive data, which provides a resolution to the strange quark polarization puzzle. The combined analysis also allows the direct extraction from data of the isovector and octet axial…
We consider the structure of divergences in Drell-Yan process with small transverse momentum. The factorization proof is not trivial because various kinds of divergences are intertwined in the collinear and soft parts at high orders. We prescribe a method to disentangle the divergences in the framework of the soft-collinear effective theory. The rapidity divergence is handled by introducing the $δ$ regulator in the collinear Wilson lines. The collinear part, which consists of the transverse-momentum-dependent parton distribution function (TMDPDF), is free of the rapidity divergence after the s…
The renormalization-group properties of transverse-momentum dependent parton distribution functions in the light-cone gauge with the Mandelstam-Leibbrandt prescription for the gluon propagator are addressed. An expression for the transverse component of the gauge field at light-cone infinity, which plays a crucial role in the description of the final-/initial-state interactions in the light-cone axial gauge, is obtained. The leading-order anomalous dimension is calculated in this gauge and the relation to the results obtained in other gauges is worked out. It is shown that, using the Mandelsta…
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 …
We discuss the renormalization of gauge-invariant transverse-momentum dependent (TMD), i.e., unintegrated, parton distribution functions (PDFs) and carry out the calculation of their anomalous dimension at one loop. We show that in the light-cone gauge, TMD PDFs contain UV divergences that may be attributed to the renormalization effect on a cusp-like junction point of the gauge contours at infinity. In order to eliminate the anomalous dimension ensuing from this cusp, we propose to use in the definition of the TMD PDFs, a soft counter term in terms of a path-ordered phase factor along a parti…
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…
The proton spin puzzle issue focused the attention on the parton spin and orbital angular momentum contributions to the proton spin. However, a complete characterization of the proton spin structure requires also the knowledge of the parton spin-orbit correlation. We showed that this quantity can be expressed in terms of moments of measurable parton distributions. Using the available phenomenological information about the valence quarks, we concluded that this correlation is negative, meaning that the valence quark spin and kinetic orbital angular momentum are, in average, opposite. The quark …
Universality in QCD factorization of parton densities, fragmentation functions, and soft factors is endangered by the process dependence of the directions of Wilson lines in their definitions. We find a choice of directions that is consistent with factorization and that gives universality between e^+e^- annihilation, semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering, and the Drell-Yan process. Universality is only modified by a time-reversal transformation of the soft function and parton densities between Drell-Yan and the other processes, whose only effect is the known reversal of sign for T-odd parto…
We report a calculation of the perturbative matching coefficients for the transverse-momentum-dependent parton distribution functions for quark at the next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order in QCD, which involves calculation of non-standard Feynman integrals with rapidity divergence. We introduce a set of generalized Integration-By-Parts equations, which allows an algorithmic evaluation of such integrals using the machinery of modern Feynman integral calculation.
We investigate several ingredients for a theory of multiple hard scattering in hadron-hadron collisions. Issues discussed include the space-time structure of multiple interactions, their power behavior, spin and color correlations, interference terms, scale evolution and Sudakov logarithms. We discuss possibilities to constrain multiparton distributions by lattice calculations and by connecting them with generalized parton distributions. We show that the behavior of two-parton distributions at small interparton distances leads to problems with ultraviolet divergences and with double counting, …
The fragmentation of a light parton i to a jet containing a light energetic hadron h, where the momentum fraction of this hadron as well as the invariant mass of the jet is measured, is described by "fragmenting jet functions". We calculate the one-loop matching coefficients J_{ij} that relate the fragmenting jet functions G_i^h to the standard, unpolarized fragmentation functions D_j^h for quark and gluon jets. We perform this calculation using various IR regulators and show explicitly how the IR divergences cancel in the matching. We derive the relationship between the coefficients J_{ij} an…
The proton spin puzzle inspired by the EMC experiment and its present status are closely examined. Recent experimental progress is reviewed. Various factorization schemes due to the ambiguity arising from the axial anomaly are discussed. Some misconceptions in the literature about the $\MS$ factorization scheme are clarified. It is stressed that the polarized nucleon structure function $g_1(x)$ is independent of the factorization scheme chosen in defining the quark spin density. Consequently, the anomalous gluon and sea-quark interpretations for the deviation of the observed first moment of $g…
We consider the problems of gauge invariance, path-dependence and treatment of overlapping UV/rapidity divergences peculiar to the transverse-momentum dependent parton distribution functions (TMDs). For different formulations of the TMDs available in the literature, we check the consistency of the TMD matrix elements with the collinear parton distribution functions possessing the well-known operator structure. Comparative on- and off-light-cone layout of the Wilson lines which secure the gauge-invariance of the TMDs is presented and briefly discussed.
We summarize the renormalization-group properties of transverse-momentum dependent (TMD) parton distribution functions (PDF)s arguing that in the light-cone gauge the overlapping ultraviolet and rapidity divergences cannot be solely controlled by (dimensional) regularization, but necessitate their renormalization. In doing so, we show that at the one-loop order this additional divergence entails an anomalous dimension which can be attributed to a cusp in the gauge contour at light-cone infinity. Then, we present a recent analysis of TMD PDFs which incorporates in the gauge links the Pauli term…
Gluon parton distribution functions (PDFs) in the proton can be calculated directly on Euclidean lattices using large momentum effective theory (LaMET). To realize this goal, one has to find renormalized gluon quasi-PDFs in which power divergences and operator mixing are thoroughly understood. For the unpolarized distribution, we identify four independent quasi-PDF correlators that can be multiplicatively renormalized on the lattice. Similarly, the helicity distribution can be derived from three independent multiplicatively renormalizable quasi-PDFs. We provide a LaMET factorization formula fo…
The quark orbital angular momentum (OAM) has been recognized as an important piece of the proton spin puzzle. A lot of effort has been invested in trying to extract it quantitatively from the generalized parton distributions (GPDs) and the transverse-momentum dependent parton distributions (TMDs), which are accessed in high-energy processes and provide three-dimensional pictures of the nucleon. Recently, we have shown that it is more natural to access the quark OAM from the phase-space or Wigner distributions. We discuss the concept of Wigner distributions in the context of quantum field theor…
We study the power corrections to Transverse Momentum Distributions (TMDs) by analyzing renormalon divergences of the perturbative series. The renomalon divergences arise independently in two constituents of TMDs: the rapidity evolution kernel and the small-b matching coefficient. The renormalon contributions have a non-trivial dependence on the Bjorken variable and the transverse distance. We discuss the consistency requirements for power corrections for TMDs and suggest inputs for the TMD phenomenology in accordance with this study. Both unpolarized quark TMD parton distribution function and…
Forward trijet production in proton-nucleus collisions: gluon initiated channel
SUBATECH UMR 6457 (IMT Atlantique, Universite de Nantes, IN2P3/CNRS)(SUBATECH UMR 6457 (IMT大西洋学院,南特大学,IN2P3/CNRS));Department of Physics, Temple University(天普大学物理系);RIKEN-BNL Research Center, Brookhaven National Laboratory(理研-布鲁克海文国家实验室研究中心);Physics Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory(布鲁克海文国家实验室物理系)