Systematic analysis of double-scale evolution

Abstract

Often the factorization of differential cross sections results in the definition of fundamental hadronic functions/distributions which have a double-scale evolution, as provided by a pair of coupled equations. Typically, the two scales are the renormalization and rapidity scales. The two-dimensional structure of their evolution is the object of the present study. In order to be more specific, we consider the case of the transverse momentum dependent distributions (TMD). Nonetheless, most of our findings can be used with other double-scale parton distributions. On the basis of the two-dimensional structure of TMD evolution, we formulate the general statement of the ζ-prescription introduced in [1], and we define an optimal TMD distribution, which is a scaleless model-independent universal non-perturbative function. Within this formulation the non-perturbative definition of the distribution is disentangled from the evolution, which clarifies the separation of perturbative and non-perturbative effects in the phenomenology. A significant part of this work is devoted to the study of the effects of truncation of perturbation theory on the double-scale evolution. We show that within truncated perturbation theory the solution of evolution equations is ambiguous and this fact generates extra uncertainties within the resummed cross-section. The alternatives to bypass this issue are discussed. Finally, we discuss the sources and distribution of the scale variation uncertainties.