We derive a factorization theorem for Drell-Yan process at low q T using effective field theory methods. In this theorem all the obtained quantities are gauge invariant and the special role of the soft function-and its subtraction thereof-is emphasized. We define transverse-momentum dependent parton distribution functions (TMDPDFs) which are free from light-cone singularities while all the Wilson lines are defined on-the-light-cone. We show explicitly to first order in α s that the partonic Feynman PDF can be obtained from the newly defined partonic TMDPDF by integrating over the transverse momentum of the parton inside the hadron. We obtain a resummed expression for the TMDPDF, and hence for the cross section, in impact parameter space. The universality of the newly defined matrix elements is established perturbatively to first order in α s . The factorization theorem is validated to first order in α s and also the gauge invariance between Feynman and light-cone gauges.

We study the QCD evolution of the Sivers effect in both semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS) and Drell-Yan production (DY). We pay close attention to the non-perturbative spinindependent Sudakov factor in the evolution formalism and find a universal form which can describe reasonably well the experimental data on the transverse momentum distributions in SIDIS, DY lepton pair and W/Z production. With this Sudakov factor at hand, we perform a global fitting of all the experimental data on the Sivers asymmetry in SIDIS from HERMES, COMPASS and Jefferson Lab. We then make predictions for the Sivers asymmetry in DY lepton pair and W production that can be compared to the future experimental measurements to test the sign change of the Sivers functions between SIDIS and DY processes and constrain the sea quark Sivers functions.

Abstract:The transverse momentum dependent parton distribution/fragmentation functions (TMDs) are essential in the factorization of a number of processes like Drell-Yan scattering, vector boson production, semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering, etc. We provide a comprehensive study of unpolarized TMDs at next-to-next-to-leading order, which includes an explicit calculation of these TMDs and an extraction of their matching coefficients onto their integrated analogues, for all flavor combinations. The obtained matching coefficients are important for any kind of phenomenology involving TMDs. In the present study each individual TMD is calculated without any reference to a specific process. We recover the known results for parton distribution functions and provide new results for the fragmentation functions. The results for the gluon transverse momentum dependent fragmentation functions are presented for the first time at one and two loops. We also discuss the structure of singularities of TMD operators and TMD matrix elements, crossing relations between TMD parton distribution functions and TMD fragmentation functions, and renormalization group equations. In addition, we consider the behavior of the matching coefficients at threshold and make a conjecture on their structure to all orders in perturbation theory.

All (un)polarized transverse momentum dependent functions (TMDs), both distribution and fragmentation functions, are defined with the same universal soft function, which cancels spurious rapidity divergences within an individual TMD and renders them well-defined hadronic quantities. Moreover, it is independent of the kinematics, whether it is Drell-Yan, deep inelastic scattering, or e þ e − → 2 hadrons. In this paper, we provide this soft function at next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO), necessary for the calculation of all TMDs at the same order, and to perform the resummation of large logarithms at next-tonext-to-next-to-leading-logarithmic accuracy. From the results we obtain the D function at NNLO, which governs the evolution of all TMDs. This work represents the first independent and direct calculation of this quantity. Given the all-order relation through a Casimir scaling between the soft function relevant for gluon TMDs and the one for quark TMDs, we also obtain the first at NNLO. The used regularization method to deal with the rapidity divergences is discussed as well.

We discuss the evolution of the eight leading twist transverse momentum dependent parton distribution functions, which turns out to be universal and spin independent. By using the highest order perturbatively calculable ingredients at our disposal, we perform the resummation of the large logarithms that appear in the evolution kernel of transverse momentum distributions up to next-to-next-to-leading logarithms (NNLL), thus obtaining an expression for the kernel with highly reduced model dependence. Our results can also be obtained using the standard CSS approach when a particular choice of the b * prescription is used. In this sense, and while restricted to the perturbative domain of applicability, we consider our results as a "prediction" of the correct value of bmax which is very close to 1.5 GeV −1 . We explore under which kinematical conditions the effects of the non-perturbative region are negligible, and hence the evolution of transverse momentum distributions can be applied in a model independent way. The application of the kernel is illustrated by considering the unpolarized transverse momentum dependent parton distribution function and the Sivers function.

In this work we consider how a parton distribution function, with an explicit transverse momentum dependence can be properly defined in a regularization-scheme independent manner. We argue that by considering a factorized form of the transverse momentum dependent spectrum for the production of a heavy lepton pair in Drell-Yan reaction, one should first split the relevant soft function into two boost invariant contributions. When those soft contributions are added to the pure collinear contributions, well-defined hadronic matrix elements emerge, i.e., the transverse momentum dependent distributions. We also perform a comparison with Collins' definition.

20 pagesInternational audienceWe provide a concise overview on transverse momentum dependent (TMD) parton distribution functions, their application to topical issues in high-energy physics phenomenology, and their theoretical connections with QCD resummation, evolution and factorization theorems. We illustrate the use of TMDs via examples of multi-scale problems in hadronic collisions. These include transverse momentum q_T spectra of Higgs and vector bosons for low q_T, and azimuthal correlations in the production of multiple jets associated with heavy bosons at large jet masses. We discuss computational tools for TMDs, and present an application of a new tool, TMDlib, to parton density fits and parameterizations

By considering semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering and the (complementary) q T -spectrum for DrellYan lepton pair production we derive the QCD evolution for all the leading-twist transverse momentum dependent distribution and fragmentation functions. We argue that all of those functions evolve with Q 2 following a single evolution kernel. This kernel is independent of the underlying kinematics and it is also spin independent. Those features hold, in impact parameter space, to all values of b T . The evolution kernel presented has all of its large logarithms resummed up to next-to-next-to leading logarithmic accuracy, which is the highest possible accuracy given the existing perturbative calculations. As a study case we apply this kernel to investigate the evolution of the Collins function, one of the ingredients that have recently attracted much attention within the phenomenological studies of spin asymmetries. Our analysis can be readily implemented to revisit previously obtained fits that involve data at different scales for other spin-dependent functions. Such improved fits are important to get better predictions-with the correct evolution kernel-for certain upcoming experiments aiming to measure the Sivers function, Collins function, transversity, and other spin-dependent functions as well.