Number density interpretation of dihadron fragmentation functions

Abstract

We present a new quantum field-theoretic definition of fully unintegrated dihadron fragmentation functions (DiFFs) as well as a generalized version for $n$-hadron fragmentation functions. We demonstrate that this definition allows certain sum rules to be satisfied, making it consistent with a number density interpretation. Moreover, we show how our corresponding so-called extended DiFFs that enter existing phenomenological studies are number densities and also derive their evolution equations. Within this new framework, DiFFs extracted from experimental measurements will have a clear physical meaning.

Comments: Some additional comments, clarifications, and references added; Version to appear in Physical Review Letters