Factorization of Multi-Regge Amplitudes

Abstract

In order to gain insight into the problem of factorization of multi-Regge amplitudes, the dual-resonance model is studied in detail. The full amplitude, as well as its total-energy discontinuity, are shown to factorize in the multi-Regge limit, although this is by no means a trivial consequence of the well-known factorization of a single generalized beta-function term. Factorization is found to depend crucially upon taking into proper account the singularities in energy variables which are dependent due to nonlinear Gram-determinant constraints. This result suggests how the apparent nonfactorization of the full multi-Regge amplitude recently pointed out by Dash may be generally circumvented. An application of the factorization of the total-energy discontinuity to the phenomenology of inclusive cross sections is discussed.