Early LHC measurements to check predictions for central exclusive production

TL;DR

Early LHC data can test theoretical models for central exclusive production by examining rapidity gap survival, gluon distributions, and QCD effects through specific electroweak and jet processes.

Contribution

This paper proposes using early LHC measurements to validate and explore the components of the theoretical framework for central exclusive production predictions.

Findings

Rapidity gap survival factor can be studied via W+gaps events.

Exclusive Upsilon production probes gluon distributions.

Jet production tests perturbative QCD effects.

Abstract

We show how the early data runs of the LHC can provide valuable checks of the different components of the formalism used to predict the cross sections of central exclusive processes. The `soft' rapidity gap survival factor can be studied in electroweak processes, such as W+gaps events, where the bare amplitude is well known. The generalized gluon distribution, in the appropriate kinematic region, can be probed by exclusive Upsilon production. The perturbative QCD effects, especially the Sudakov-like factor, can be probed by exclusive two- and three-jet production. We discuss the possible role of enhanced absorptive corrections which would violate the soft-hard factorization implied in the usual formalism, and suggest ways that the LHC may explore their presence.