SCET for jet physics in the vacuum and the medium

TL;DR

This paper discusses the application of soft-collinear effective theory (SCET) to improve the precision of jet physics and heavy flavor observables in collider experiments, especially in the context of heavy ion collisions.

Contribution

It extends SCET to describe parton propagation in QCD matter, reducing uncertainties in jet quenching calculations for heavy ion reactions.

Findings

Enhanced theoretical precision in jet quenching models.

Quantified reduction in medium-induced radiative effect uncertainties.

Improved understanding of jet and heavy flavor observables in QCD.

Abstract

In this plenary talk I discuss soft-collinear effective theory (SCET) as a framework for precision QCD phenomenology. Emphasis is placed on jet and heavy flavor observables accessible at current and future collider facilities. One of the principal challenges that calculations of hard probes in heavy ion reactions face is the ambiguity associated with the implementation of medium-induced radiative effects. I demonstrate how extension of SCET to describe parton propagation in QCD matter has helped quantify and reduce the theoretical uncertainty in jet quenching calculations.