Third-order correction to top-quark pair production near threshold I. Effective theory set-up and matching coefficients

TL;DR

This paper outlines the effective theory framework and matching coefficients necessary for calculating third-order QCD corrections to top-antitop production near threshold, setting the stage for precise predictions in future work.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed effective theory setup and matching coefficient calculations for third-order corrections in top-quark pair production near threshold.

Findings

Summarizes relevant matching coefficients and potentials at N3LO.

Provides a master formula for third-order Green function computation.

Establishes a framework applicable to heavy-quark pair production near threshold.

Abstract

This is the first in a series of papers, in which we compute the third-order QCD corrections to top-antitop production near threshold in e+ e- collisions. The present paper provides a detailed outline of the strategy of computation in the framework of non-relativistic effective theory and the threshold expansion, applicable more generally to heavy-quark pair production near threshold. It summarizes matching coefficients and potentials relevant to the next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order and ends with the master formula for the computation of the third-order Green function. The master formula is evaluated in part II of the series.