arXiv subjects

Sean Fleming

Publications and source records attributed to Sean Fleming.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

The role of the soft scale for $J/\psi$ production in the transverse momentum dependent framework

We use vNRQCD to study power corrections in the ${\rm v}$ expansion due to soft gluon radiation during $J/\psi$ production at small transverse momentum. We categorize four new $J/\psi$ production operators that mediate the transition of perturbatively produced color-octet charm quark/anti-quark pairs to charm quarks in a $^3S_1^{[1]}$ state via soft gluon emission. We then use Soft Collinear Effective Theory and vNRQCD to derive a factorization theorem for $J/\psi$ production in SIDIS in terms of the gluon transverse momentum dependent (TMD) PDFs in the proton and new objects which we call TMD soft transition functions. We show that the TMD soft transition function leads in the ${\rm v}$ power-counting with respect to the color-octet TMD shape functions that have been used in previous studies of $J/\psi$ production at small transverse momentum.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Relativistic corrections to exclusive photoproduction of Quarkonia near-threshold

Non-relativistic QCD (NRQCD) is used to calculate the relativistic correction to the amplitude for exclusive photoproduction of vector Quarkonia in the near-threshold region within the generalized parton distribution (GPD) framework. The relativistic corrections are found to be large for $J/\psi$, and lead to a breakdown of the GPD moment expansion near threshold. Cross-sections for both $J/\psi$ and $\Upsilon$ are calculated with the former being compared to the data. We also demonstrate the presence of endpoint divergences for the relativistic correction away from the near-threshold regime.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Polarized $J/\psi$ production in semi-inclusive DIS at large $Q^2$: Comparing quark fragmentation and photon-gluon fusion

We compare the relative importance of different mechanisms for polarized $J/\psi$ production in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering processes at large $Q^2$. The transverse momentum dependent (TMD) factorization framework and nonrelativistic quantum chromodynamics are used to study the leading contributions from light quark fragmentation to polarized $J/\psi$, and compared to direct production via photon-gluon fusion, which can proceed through color-singlet as well as color-octet mechanisms. We identify kinematic regimes where light quark fragmentation dominates, allowing for the extraction of the $^3S_1^{[8]}$ matrix element, as well as regimes where photon gluon fusion dominates, suggesting that the gluon TMD parton distribution function can be probed.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Polarized TMD fragmentation functions for $J/\psi$ production

We calculate the matching, at leading order, of the transverse momentum-dependent fragmentation functions (TMDFFs) for light quarks and gluons fragmenting to a $J/\psi$ onto polarized nonrelativistic QCD (NRQCD) TMDFFs. The NRQCD TMDFFs have an operator-product-expansion in terms of nonperturbative NRQCD production matrix elements. Using the results we obtain, we make predictions for the light quark fragmentation contribution to the production of polarized $J/\psi$ in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS) both for unpolarized and longitudinally polarized beams. These results are an important contribution to polarized $J/\psi$ production in SIDIS, and thus are needed for comparison with experiments at the future Electron-Ion Collider.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

TMD Handbook

This handbook provides a comprehensive review of transverse-momentum-dependent parton distribution functions and fragmentation functions, commonly referred to as transverse momentum distributions (TMDs). TMDs describe the distribution of partons inside the proton and other hadrons with respect to both their longitudinal and transverse momenta. They provide unique insight into the internal momentum and spin structure of hadrons, and are a key ingredient in the description of many collider physics cross sections. Understanding TMDs requires a combination of theoretical techniques from quantum field theory, nonperturbative calculations using lattice QCD, and phenomenological analysis of experimental data. The handbook covers a wide range of topics, from theoretical foundations to experimental analyses, as well as recent developments and future directions. It is intended to provide an essential reference for researchers and graduate students interested in understanding the structure of hadrons and the dynamics of partons in high energy collisions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Strong decays of $T_{cc}^+$ at NLO in an effective field theory

The $T_{cc}^+$ exotic meson, discovered by the LHCb Collaboration in 2021, can be interpreted as a molecular state of $D^{(*)0}$ and $D^{(*)+}$ mesons. We compute next-to-leading-order (NLO) contributions to the strong decay of $T_{cc}^+$ in an effective field theory for $D$ mesons and pions, considering contributions from one-pion exchange and final-state rescattering. Corrections to the total width, as well as the differential distribution in the invariant mass of the final-state $D$ meson pair are computed. The results remain in good agreement with LHCb experimental results when the NLO contributions are added. The leading uncertainties in the calculation come from terms which depend on the scattering length and effective range in $D$ meson scattering.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Informal Science Education and Career Advancement

This document supports a proposed APS statement that encourages academic, research, and other institutions to add the participation in informal science education activities to the criteria they use for hiring and career advancement decisions. There is a prevalent attitude that the time spent by a researcher on these activities takes time away from research efforts that are more valued by their peers and their institution. To change this mindset, we enumerate the many benefits of informal science education activities to the public, to researchers, to their institutions, and to the field of physics. We also suggest aspects of these activities that may be considered by institutions in evaluating informal educational efforts for recruitment and career advancement decisions.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2021

$T_{cc}^+$ decays: Differential spectra and two-body final states

The recently discovered tetraquark, $T_{cc}^+$, has quark content $cc\bar{u}\bar{d}$ and a mass that lies just below open charm thresholds. Hence it is reasonable to expect the state to have a significant molecular component. We calculate the decay of the $T_{cc}^+$ in a molecular interpretation using effective field theory. In addition we calculate differential spectra as a function of the invariant mass of the final state charm meson pair. These are in good agreement with spectra measured by LHCb. We also point out that if shallow bound states of two pseudoscalar charm mesons exist, then two-body decays to those bound states and a single pion or photon can significantly enhance the width of the $T_{cc}^+$.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

Renormalization and Scale Evolution of the Soft-Quark Soft Function

Soft functions defined in terms of matrix elements of soft fields dressed by Wilson lines are central components of factorization theorems for cross sections and decay rates in collider and heavy-quark physics. While in many cases the relevant soft functions are defined in terms of gluon operators, at subleading order in power counting soft functions containing quark fields appear. We present a detailed discussion of the properties of the soft-quark soft function consisting of a quark propagator dressed by two finite-length Wilson lines connecting at one point. This function enters in the factorization theorem for the Higgs-boson decay amplitude of the $h\to\gamma\gamma$ process mediated by light-quark loops. We perform the renormalization of this soft function at one-loop order, derive its two-loop anomalous dimension and discuss solutions to its renormalization-group evolution equation in momentum space, in Laplace space and in the "diagonal space", where the evolution is strictly multiplicative.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

An effective field theory approach to quarkonium at small transverse momentum

In this work we apply effective field theory (EFT) to observables in quarkonium production and decay that are sensitive to soft gluon radiation, in particular measurements that are sensitive to small transverse momentum. Within the EFT framework we study $\chi_Q$ decay to light quarks followed by the fragmentation of those quarks to light hadrons. We derive a factorization theorem that involves transverse momentum distribution (TMD) fragmentation functions and new quarkonium TMD shape functions. We derive renormalization group equations, both in rapidity and virtuality, which are used to evolve the different terms in the factorization theorem to resum large logarithms. This theoretical framework will provide a systematic treatment of quarkonium production and decay processes in TMD sensitive measurements.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2016

Effective field theory approach to heavy quark fragmentation

Using an approach based on Soft Collinear Effective Theory (SCET) and Heavy Quark Effective Theory (HQET) we determine the $b$-quark fragmentation function from electron-positron annihilation data at the $Z$-boson peak at next-to-next-to leading order, with next-to-next-to leading log resummation of DGLAP logarithms, and next-to-next-to-next-to leading log resummation of endpoint logarithms. This analysis improves, by one order, the previous extraction of the $b$-quark fragmentation function. We find that while the addition of the next order in the calculation does not much shift the extracted form of the fragmentation function, it does reduce theoretical errors indicating that the expansion is converging. Using an approach based on effective field theory allows us to systematically control theoretical errors. While the fits of theory to data are generally good, the fits seem to be hinting that higher order correction from HQET may be needed to explain the $b$-quark fragmentation function at smaller values of momentum fraction.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2016

Rapidity regulators in the semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering and Drell-Yan processes

We study the semi-inclusive limit of the deep inelastic scattering and Drell-Yan (DY) processes in soft collinear effective theory. In this regime so-called threshold logarithms must be resummed to render perturbation theory well behaved. Part of this resummation occurs via the Dokshitzer, Gribov, Lipatov, Altarelli, Parisi (DGLAP) equation, which at threshold contains a large logarithm that calls into question the convergence of the anomalous dimension. We demonstrate here that the problematic logarithm is related to rapidity divergences, and by introducing a rapidity regulator can be tamed. We show that resumming the rapidity logarithms allows us to reproduce the standard DGLAP running at threshold as long as a set of potentially large non-perturbative logarithms are absorbed into the definition of the parton distribution function (PDF). These terms could, in turn, explain the steep fall-off of the PDF in the endpoint. We then go on to show that the resummation of rapidity divergences does not change the standard threshold resummation in DY, nor do our results depend on the rapidity regulator we choose to use.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2014

The role of Glauber Exchange in Soft Collinear Effective Theory and the Balitsky-Fadin-Kuraev-Lipatov Equation

In soft collinear effective theory (SCET) the interaction between high energy quarks moving in opposite directions involving momentum transfer much smaller than the center-of-mass energy is described by the Glauber interaction operator which has two-dimensional Coulomb-like behavior. Here, we determine this $n$-$\bar{n}$ collinear Glauber interaction operator and consider its renormalization properties at one loop. At this order a rapidity divergence appears which gives rise to an infrared divergent (IR) rapidity anomalous dimension commonly called the gluon Regge trajectory. We then go on to consider the forward quark scattering cross section in SCET. The emission of real soft gluons from the Glauber interaction gives rise to the Lipatov vertex. Squaring and adding the real and virtual amplitudes results in a cancelation of IR divergences, however the rapidity divergence remains. We introduce a rapidity counterterm to cancel the rapidity divergence, and derive a rapidity renormalization group equation which is the Balitsky-Fadin-Kuraev-Lipatov Equation. This connects Glauber interactions with the emergence of Regge behavior in SCET.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2013

Anomalous dimensions of the double parton fragmentation functions

Double parton fragmentation is a process in which a pair of partons produced in the short-distance process hadronize into the final state hadron. This process is important for quarkonium production when the transverse momentum is much greater than the quark mass. Resummation of logarithms of the ratio of these two scales requires the evolution equations for double parton fragmentation functions (DPFF). In this paper we complete the one-loop evaluation of the anomalous dimensions for the DPFF. We also consider possible mixing between the DPFF and single parton power suppressed gluon fragmentation and show that such effects are sub-leading.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

Rapidity Divergences and Deep Inelastic Scattering in the Endpoint Region

The deep inelastic scattering cross section in the endpoint region, $x \sim 1$, has been subjected to extensive analysis. We revisit this process, and show that in the endpoint individual factors in the factorized hadronic tensor have rapidity divergences. We regulate these divergences using a recently introduced rapidity regulator, and find that each factor requires a different scale to minimize large rapidity logarithms. Interestingly, in this case running in rapidity is non-perturbative. In addition, we give an operator definition of the parton distribution function in the endpoint region, and remark on the issues that should be considered in constructing this function.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

The Systematics of Quarkonium Production at the LHC and Double Parton Fragmentation

In this paper we discuss the systematics of quarkonium production at the LHC. In particular, we focus on the necessity to sum logs of the form log(Q/p_perp) and log(p_perp/m_Q). We show that the former contributions are power suppressed, while the latter, whose contribution in fragmentation is well known, also arise in the short distance (i.e., non-fragmentation) production mechanisms. Though these contributions are suppressed by powers of m_Q/p_perp, they can be enhanced by inverse powers of v, the relative velocity between heavy quarks in the quarkonium. In the limit p_perp >> m_Q short distance production can be thought of as the fragmentation of a pair of partons (i.e., the heavy quark and anti-quark) into the final state quarkonium. We derive an all order factorization theorem for this process in terms of double parton fragmentation functions (DPFF) and calculate the one-loop anomalous dimension matrix for the DPFF.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2011

The decay of the X(3872) into χ_{cJ} and the Operator Product Expansion in XEFT

XEFT is a low energy effective theory for the X(3872) that can be used to systematically analyze the decay and production of the X(3872) meson, assuming that it is a weakly bound state of charmed mesons. In a previous paper, we calculated the decays of X(3872) into χ_{cJ} plus pions using a two-step procedure in which Heavy Hadron Chiral Perturbation Theory (HH\chiPT) amplitudes are matched onto XEFT operators and then X(3872) decay rates are then calculated using these operators. The procedure leads to IR divergences in the three-body decay X(3872) \to χ_{cJ} ππwhen virtual D mesons can go on-shell in tree level HH\chiPT diagrams. In previous work, we regulated these IR divergences with the $D^{*0}$ width. In this work, we carefully analyze X(3872) \to χ_{cJ} π^0 and X(3872) \to χ_{cJ} ππusing the operator product expansion (OPE) in XEFT. Forward scattering amplitudes in HH\chiPT are matched onto local operators in XEFT, the imaginary parts of which are responsible for the decay of the X(3872). Here we show that the IR divergences are regulated by the binding momentum of the X(3872) rather than the width of the D^{*0} meson. In the OPE, these IR divergences cancel in the calculation of the matching coefficients so the correct predictions for the X(3872) \to χ_{c1} ππdo not receive enhancements due to the width of the D^{*0}. We give updated predictions for the decay X(3872) \to χ_{c1} ππat leading order in XEFT.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

Soft Collinear Effective Theory: An Overview

In this talk I give an overview of soft collinear effective theory (SCET), including a discussion of some recent advances. First, I briefly cover the foundation upon which SCET is built, namely QCD factorization, and review the theoretical framework of SCET. Next, I cover some recent calculations involving SCET. Since there are more interesting results than I can cover, I have picked four that that I find particularly exciting. The first two topics are dynamical threshold enhancements in Drell-Yan and resummation of higgs production at the LHC. Both topics center on the resummation of large Sudakov logarithms, however, for each there is a twist. In the case of threshold enhancements in Drell-Yan, it is partonic, not hadronic logarithms that are summed. In the case of higgs production at the LHC, the twist is that the logarithms are of a time-like scale. The third topic highlighted is electroweak corrections at high energy. In particular the electroweak Sudakov form factor. Finally, I end by discussing generalized event shapes in $e^+e^-$ annihilation.

hep-ph↗