Momentum transfer and energy scale

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the parameter energy scale Q in the context of simulations related to particle physics events, specifically focusing on its relationship with momentum transfer and the determination of Q in events with multiple interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the meaning of the energy scale Q and its determination in the context of multiple interactions in an event.
  • Another participant suggests that Q may relate to the primary vertex of a collision, indicating a potential source for determining Q.
  • A later reply clarifies that Q could be derived from the pp collision vertex, which aligns with the initial participant's inquiry.
  • Another participant raises a concern that other vertices may be considered pileup and might not contribute to the desired measurement, referencing cross-section methods.
  • One participant proposes that q² (from pdfInfo) likely corresponds to the scale at which the Parton Distribution Function (PDF) is evaluated for the hard process, suggesting that the scale should be representative of the primary interaction in an event.
  • This participant further explains that when multiple vertices are present, selecting a representative scale becomes less straightforward, with examples such as the transverse mass of the W boson being considered.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of how Q is determined, with some suggesting it relates to the primary vertex while others highlight the complications introduced by pileup and multiple interactions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact determination of Q.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the understanding of the class referenced and the implications of pileup on measurements, as well as the dependence on the definitions of terms like "hard process" and "primary interaction."

Josh1079
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Hi, I am recently working on a project involving simulations and I'm pretty confused about the parameter energy scale Q (contained in TruthEvent pdfInfo). I tried to figure out what that parameter means and from some sources online I think Q is the absolute value of momentum transfer q. Therefore, I'm a bit confused about how the value of Q is determined. There are a lot of interactions in one event and I guess that gives a different q, but as far as I know the Q is for per event, so how do they determine Q?

I tried to find information from the class reference (http://hep.uchicago.edu/~kkrizka/rootcoreapis/d7/d81/classxAOD_1_1TruthEvent__v1.html) but can't really find much.

Thanks!
 
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I am not sure, since I don't understand what that class stands for... but don't you have a primary vertex?
 
Thanks for the reply!

Ah! You mean it comes from the pp collision vertex? This makes perfect sense! Thanks!
 
I don't know, in general all the other vertices are considered as pileup and so may not contain the process that you want to measure [because I read some cross section methods in the class]...
 
It sounds like this q2 (pdfinfo) is likely to correspond to the scale at which the PDF is evaluated For the hard process.

This scale is generally set as a scale typical of the hard process (the primary interaction of an 'event').

If you are producing a W boson, the mass of the w boson might be a good choice. When you have multiple vertices, it is a little less obvious and you try to pick a scale which is representative of many events you are looking at. For example the transverse mass of the w boson (which could be produced in association with other qcd particles for example).

Finally, the probability of finding an incoming Parton inside the proton is provided by a Parton distribution function which describes this probability as a function of Q and x (momentum fraction of the proton that it carries)
 
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