arXiv subjects

Francesco P. Ucci

Publications and source records attributed to Francesco P. Ucci.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Next-to-leading order FsQED corrections to radiative pion pair production

We compute the next-to-leading order corrections to the radiative return process $e^+ e^- \to π^+ π^- γ$ within the FsQED approach to embed the pion form factor in the calculation of loop integrals. We compare our results with those of the factorised scalar QED approach, as well as with previous predictions obtained by us in the generalised vector meson dominance model. We show the numerical impact of the structure-dependent corrections on various observables of interest for radiative return experiments at flavour factories. Following recent input from the literature, we include in our calculation also leading corrections beyond FsQED and we provide a first estimate of such contributions. We also investigate additional mechanisms contributing to final-state radiation at center-of-mass energies around the $ϕ$-meson resonance, such as radiative $ϕ$ decays, presenting numerical results that are relevant for the KLOE experiment. These novel features are implemented in the Monte Carlo event generator BabaYaga@NLO, which can now be used to evaluate the impact of the modelling of pion-photon interaction in radiative return measurements.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

Structure-dependent radiative corrections to $e^+ e^- \to π^+ π^- γ$ in the GVMD approach

We compute the radiative corrections to the process of two-pion production in association with a hard photon in $e^+ e^-$ annihilation by taking into account the non-perturbative structure of the pion in the one-loop calculation. For this purpose, we adopt the generalised vector meson dominance model to insert the pion form factor in loop integrals for the treatment of final-state radiation and initial-final state interference at next-to-leading order. We compare our predictions with the results of the naive factorised scalar QED approach for experimentally relevant observables in the measurement of the $e^+ e^- \to π^+ π^- γ$ process. The computation extends previous results obtained for the energy scan process $e^+ e^- \to π^+ π^-$ and can be used to quantify the uncertainty due to the model describing the pion-photon interaction in radiative return experiments at flavour factories.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

Radiative return at NLOPS accuracy

The radiative return, together with the energy scan, is the method used at flavour factories to measure the pion form factor, which is a crucial input for the data-driven dispersive computation of the leading-order hadronic contribution to the muon anomalous magnetic moment. We consider the radiative hadronic and leptonic channels of main experimental interest, namely the processes $e^+e^-\to X^+X^-γ$, with $X = \{π\, , μ\}$. For such processes, we compute the exact next-to-leading order (NLO) corrections matched to a Parton Shower (PS) to describe exclusive multiple photon emission. All sources of radiative corrections from initial-state and final-state radiation, as well as their interference, are considered according to QED for $e^+e^-\toμ^+μ^-γ$ and QED$\oplus$F$\times$sQED (Factorised scalar QED) for $e^+e^-\toπ^+π^-γ$. We describe in detail the novel features of our PS approach to compute the fixed-order corrections in association with higher-order contributions to $2\to3$ processes, with a hard photon in the final state. We present validation tests and comparisons with NLO predictions available in the literature to cross-check various ingredients of our formulation. We also show numerical results at NLOPS accuracy according to realistic event selection criteria for precision measurements at flavour factories. Our calculation is implemented in an updated version of the Monte Carlo event generator BabaYaga@NLO, which can be used for fully exclusive simulations and data analysis in radiative return experiments.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

BabaYaga@NLO at present and future $e^+e^-$ colliders. Celebrating 25 years of BabaYaga

Precise QED radiative corrections for low- and high-energy electron-positron colliders are essential for accurate simulations of luminosity processes and precision tests of the Standard Model. We review the historical formulation and the recent developments of the BabaYaga@NLO event generator, which implements a QED Parton Shower matched with fixed-order calculations. We discuss the theoretical formulation of the code, as well as the assessment of its theoretical accuracy. Applications at low- and high-energy $e^+e^-$ colliders are presented, including latest result, together with the perspectives for future improvements, in view of the demanding precision requirements of future machines at the intensity frontier.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

On the inclusion of the pion form factor in $e^+e^- \to π^+π^-$ beyond leading order

The pion form factor plays a crucial role in the determination of the contribution of the hadronic vacuum polarisation to the muon anomalous magnetic moment. In order to measure this quantity, energy-scan experiments rely on Monte Carlo generator to simulate the $e^+e^- \to π^+π^-(γ)$ process. For the theoretical accuracy to match the experimental precision, next-to-leading order calculations and the resummation of multiple photon emissions are needed. In this context, the inclusion of the pion form factor beyond the leading order approximation is crucial to reproduce some observables, like the pion charge asymmetry. We present the impact of the inclusion of the pion form factor in loop diagrams with three approaches and the interplay with radiative corrections.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

On the new physics in Bhabha luminometry at future $e^+e^-$ colliders

The absolute machine luminosity is a key quantity to achieve the high-precision physics program of future $e^+e^-$ collider. It is determined by measuring a theoretically well-known process, which, ideally, can be computed with arbitrary precision in the perturbation theory. However, yet undiscovered new physics could give a non-negligible contribution to the cross section of the luminosity monitoring process, thus invalidating the uncertainty determination of measured quantities. We assess the theoretical error of non-Standard Model origin to the small-angle Bhabha scattering in various future colliders scenarios. In addition, a possible running strategy to constrain unknown heavy interactions is proposed, relying on asymmetries that do not depend on the absolute luminosity.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Early Career Researcher Input to the European Strategy for Particle Physics Update: White Paper

This document, written by early career researchers (ECRs) in particle physics, aims to represent the perspectives of the European ECR community and serves as input for the 2025--2026 update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics. With input from a community-wide survey, it highlights key challenges faced by ECRs -- career stability, funding access and long-term research opportunities -- while proposing policy recommendations and targeted initiatives. It underscores the importance of practices fostering diverse, equitable, inclusive and healthy workplaces, as well as of stronger ECR communities, and highlights how effective communication and interdisciplinary collaborations reinforce the societal relevance of particle physics and promote continued support for large-scale and long-term projects. Finally, the future of both collider and beyond-collider experiments is addressed, emphasising the critical role of ECRs in shaping future projects. The ECR contribution is formed of two parts: the ten-page executive summary submitted as input to the European Strategy for Particle Physics Update and, as backup document, this extended white paper providing additional context.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2025

New Physics contamination to precision luminosity measurements at future $e^+e^-$ colliders

Several key observables of the high-precision physics program at future lepton colliders will critically depend on the knowledge of the absolute machine luminosity. The determination of the luminosity relies on the precise knowledge of some reference process, which is in principle not affected by unknown physics, so that its cross section can be computed within a well-established theory, like the Standard Model. Quantifying the uncertainties induced by possible New Physics effects on such processes is therefore crucial. We present an exploratory investigation of light and heavy New Physics contributions to the small-angle Bhabha process at future $e^+e^-$ colliders and we discuss possible strategies to remove potential uncertainties originating from such contaminations by relying on observables that are independent of the absolute luminosity.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Radiative corrections and Monte Carlo tools for low-energy hadronic cross sections in $e^+ e^-$ collisions

We present the results of Phase I of an ongoing review of Monte Carlo tools relevant for low-energy hadronic cross sections. This includes a detailed comparison of Monte Carlo codes for electron-positron scattering into a muon pair, pion pair, and electron pair, for scan and radiative-return experiments. After discussing the various approaches that are used and effects that are included, we show differential cross sections obtained with AfkQed, BabaYaga@NLO, KKMC, MCGPJ, McMule, Phokhara, and Sherpa, for scenarios that are inspired by experiments providing input for the dispersive evaluation of the hadronic vacuum polarisation.

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