Low-x QCD studies with forward jets in proton-proton collisions at sqrt{s} = 14 TeV in CMS

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of forward jet measurements in CMS at 14 TeV to improve understanding of low-x parton distributions and QCD evolution phenomena like BFKL and gluon saturation.

Contribution

It presents the capabilities of CMS's forward calorimeter for jet reconstruction and assesses the sensitivity of forward jet spectra to proton PDFs and QCD evolution effects.

Findings

Forward jet p_T spectrum sensitive to proton PDFs.

Azimuthal decorrelation of Mueller-Navelet jets studied.

CMS forward calorimeter effectively reconstructs forward jets.

Abstract

Forward (di)jet measurements are a useful tool to constrain the Parton Distribution Functions (PDFs) at low values of parton momentum fraction x, and to study the possible onset of BFKL or gluon saturation QCD evolutions in the proton. We present studies of jet reconstruction capabilities in the CMS Hadron Forward (HF) calorimeter (3<|eta|<5). The expected sensitivity of the inclusive forward jet p_T spectrum to the proton PDF, as well as the azimuthal decorrelation of Mueller-Navelet jets with a large rapidity separation are presented for p-p collisions at sqrt{s} = 14 TeV.