The Factorization Theorem in Particle Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Factorization Theorem in particle physics, specifically in the context of calculating amplitudes for B meson decays to a photon and lepton/lepton anti-neutrino pairs. Participants explore the theoretical underpinnings, mathematical formulations, and practical implications of the theorem, including its application in Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the factorization theorem as Amplitude = LCDA ⊗ Hard Kernel, expressing uncertainty about neglecting internal dynamics of hadrons in amplitude calculations.
  • Questions are raised regarding the necessity of using light cone coordinates for calculations, with concerns about the restrictions they impose on possible answers.
  • The purpose of obtaining the Hard Kernel after evaluating terms up to one loop order is questioned, along with the intuitive and mathematical basis of the factorization theorem.
  • Another participant suggests downloading the CTEQ "Handbook of perturbative QCD," indicating that the existence of a factorization theorem is fortunate and not guaranteed.
  • References to the CTEQ handbook are made, with discussions about its length and content, including a link to a related article by Sterman et al.
  • Clarification of the abbreviation "FWIW" is provided, indicating that the handbook is a substantial resource.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and agreement regarding the factorization theorem and its implications. There is no consensus on the necessity of light cone coordinates or the broader applicability of the theorem in processes involving hadrons.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the factorization theorem and its dependence on specific conditions, such as the scale of the Wilson line and the non-perturbative nature of quark interactions. These aspects remain unresolved within the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying particle physics, particularly in the areas of QCD, amplitude calculations, and theoretical frameworks involving hadrons.

Elmo
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TL;DR
Came across this thing as part of my graduate degree and I have been told to use it in calculating a meson decay. I am not sure about the basis of this formula and the extent of its usage.
I have been tasked with calculating amplitudes of a B meson decaying to a photon and lepton/lepton anti-neutrino pair ,upto one loop and have pretty much never seen this thing before. I will ask my questions along the way as I describe what I am doing.
This factorization theorem seems to go thus :
Amplitude = LCDA ⊗ Hard Kernel and this has an expansion in terms of orders ,eqtn(23)

The paper (attached below) has solved a couple of examples where they calculate the amplitude by QCD Feynman rules but I am not sure how can one neglect the internal dynamics of a hadron in calculating the Amplitude ?
The tree and loop amplitudes for some of these are given in eqtns (13,26)
The LCDA seems to be the amplitude of a hadron decaying to vacuum ( defined eqtn(14) ) and has its own Feynman rules for calculating it at tree and loop level but I don't know why they use light cone coordinates for this. Is it absolutely necessary ? I am asking this because the insistence on using only these types of coordinates really restricts the types of answers you can get.

The Hard Kernel is obtained algebraically after doing the convolution integral (⊗ ).
Now I am not really sure what's the purpose of all this exercise, in general. My supervisor has told me to just obtain the Hard Kernel after evaluating all terms till one loop order.
I also have some questions about the intuitive and mathematical basis of this theorem. As in where did it even come from. I have seen it in very few places and its only ever stated without any background. In what other places is it applied ?
Is it something that you always have to do when dealing with processes involving hadrons ?

I vaguely get that factorization has to do with separating long and short distance physics, in that Hard Kernel ultimately comes out to have large momenta and LCDA with soft momenta but some more detailed explanation will be very helpful.
Also would be nice to have explanation of why the LCDA has to be defined in terms of operator involving a a finite Wilson line eqtn(14).Also,is it necessary that the length scale of the Wilson line ([0,z]) should be of order Rhadron ,as the interaction binding the quarks together is non-perturbative.
 

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You should download the CTEQ "Handbook of perturbative QCD".

There didn't have to be a factorization theorem. Things could have been a coupled mess. We are lucky QCD, to a good approximation, works this way.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
You should download the CTEQ "Handbook of perturbative QCD".

There didn't have to be a factorization theorem. Things could have been a coupled mess. We are lucky QCD, to a good approximation, works this way.
FWIW, 194 pages. Great resource.
 
ohwilleke said:
FWIW, 194 pages. Great resource.
FWIW ?
 
Elmo said:
FWIW ?
"For What It's Worth" In other words, I was pointing out that it wasn't a quick read, even though it is a great resource.
 

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