Perturbative and Non-Perturbative Issues in Heavy Quark Fragmentation

TL;DR

This paper reviews heavy quark fragmentation, comparing recent experimental data with theoretical models, emphasizing the importance of matching perturbative and non-perturbative components to avoid discrepancies.

Contribution

It highlights the necessity of proper matching between perturbative and non-perturbative contributions in heavy quark fragmentation models.

Findings

Recent e^+e^- data for B mesons align with updated theoretical predictions.

Proper matching of contributions reduces phenomenological discrepancies.

An example of B^+ hadroproduction at the Tevatron illustrates the issues.

Abstract

We review the state-of-the-art of our understanding of heavy quark fragmentation. Recent e^+e^- data for B mesons are compared to the most up-to-date theoretical predictions, and the need for inclusion of a non-perturbative component is discussed. Experimental analyses in moments space are suggested, and it is pointed out how perturbative and non-perturbative contributions are to be properly matched. Failure to do so can result in large phenomenological discrepancies. An example is given for B^+ hadroproduction at the Tevatron.