Foundations of Perturbative QCD

The most non-trivial of the established microscopic theories of physics is QCD: the theory of the strong interaction. A critical link between theory and experiment is provided by the methods of perturbative QCD, notably the well-known factorization theorems. Giving an accurate account of the concepts, theorems and their justification, this book is a systematic treatment of perturbative QCD. As well as giving a mathematical treatment, the book relates the concepts to experimental data, giving strong motivations for the methods. It also examines in detail transverse-momentum-dependent parton densities, an increasingly important subject not normally treated in other books. Ideal for graduate students starting their work in high-energy physics, it will also interest experienced researchers wanting a clear account of the subject. "This book fills a gap and provides a detailed and pedagogical exposition of an important aspect of perturbative QCD." Stefan Weinzierl, Mathematical Reviews1. Introduction; 2. Why QCD?; 3. Basics of QCD; 4. Infra-red safety and non-safety; 5. Libby-Sterman analysis and power counting; 6. Parton model to parton theory I; 7. Parton model to parton theory II; 8. Factorization; 9. Corrections to the parton model in QCD; 10. Factorization and subtractions; 11. DIS in QCD; 12. Fragmentation; 13. TMD factorization; 14. Hadron-hadron collisions; 15. More advanced topics; Appendices; References; Index.