Inclusive Spectra and Quantum Stochastic Processes

TL;DR

This paper proposes that parton interactions create a stochastic process inside hadrons, leading to a thermal-like transverse momentum spectrum, supported by a simple solvable model.

Contribution

It introduces a novel stochastic process model explaining the thermal shape of inclusive spectra in high-energy collisions.

Findings

Stochastic process can produce thermal spectra

Model is exactly solvable

Supports the thermal interpretation of inclusive spectra

Abstract

We try to explain the apparently "thermal" shape of the inclusive transverse momentum spectrum. We conjecture that prior to the collision, parton-parton interactions generate a kind of a stochastic process driving the one-particle spectrum within a hadron towards the thermal shape it would have in a classical gas. We illustrate this idea, which might have a more general relevance, with a simple, exactly solvable model.