Limiting fragmentation from scale-invariant merging of fast partons

TL;DR

This paper proposes a scale-invariant merging model for fast partons in high-energy collisions, explaining the observed limiting fragmentation phenomenon through a self-similar process with a specific merging probability.

Contribution

It introduces a new scaling law for the rapidity distribution of fast partons based on scale-invariant merging, providing a theoretical explanation for limiting fragmentation.

Findings

Derives a scaling law for rapidity distribution of fast partons

Shows that the merging probability varies as 1/y

Supports the limiting fragmentation phenomenon with a self-similar model

Abstract

Exploiting the idea that the fast partons of an energetic projectile can be treated as sources of color radiation interpreted as wee partons, it is shown that the recently observed property of extended limiting fragmentation implies a scaling law for the rapidity distribution of fast partons. This leads to a picture of a self-similar process where, for fixed total rapidity Y, the sources merge with probability varying as 1/y.