Models for left-right multiplicities

Abstract

In the context of various models for production processes, we examine what can be learned from data on the number of charged particles per event in the left and right c.m. hemispheres, left-right multiplicity distributions. The appropriate generating-functional formalism is developed. We make explicit calculations of the generating function in both the multiperipheral and Mueller-Regge approaches. We explain how left-right multiplicity distributions are used to separate the components of a hybrid (diffraction plus short-range-order) model. Questions concerning the factorization of the leading Regge singularity are also discussed.