Diffraction from First Principles

Abstract: Diffractive processes comprise nearly half the cross-section at the Large Hadron Collider and are a key probe of phenomena ranging from Regge (forward) physics, to the behavior of cosmic ray showers, to the saturation of nuclear matter. Diffractive processes exhibit unique properties, like forward scattering and large ​“rapidity gaps” of the detector devoid of particles, that have so far defied a systematic field theory description.

We use effective field theory techniques to describe diffraction from first principles, opening up new frontiers for exploration at the dawn of the Electron-Ion Collider, High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider and Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research accelerators.