The next-to-leading order forward jet vertex in the small-cone approximation

Abstract

We consider within QCD collinear factorization the process p + p → jet + jet + s X , where two forward high-p_T jets are produced with a large separation in rapidity ∆y (Mueller-Navelet jets). In this case the (calculable) hard part of the reaction receives large higher-order corrections , which can be accounted for in the BFKL approach.

In particular, we calculate in the next-to-leading order the impact factor (vertex) for the production of a forward high-p_T jet, in the approximation of small aperture of the jet cone in the pseudorapidity-azimuthal angle plane. The final expression for the vertex turns out to be simple and easy to implement in numerical calculations.