Transverse Momentum as a Measure of Colour Topologies

Abstract

Several distinct colour flow topologies are possible in multiparton configurations. A method is proposed to find the correct topology, based on a minimization of the total transverse momentum of produced particles. This method is studied for three-jet $Z^0\to q\overline{q}g$ and four-jet $W^{+}{W}^{-}\to q_1{\overline{q}}_2{q}_3{\overline{q}}_4$ events. It is shown how the basic picture is smeared, especially by parton-shower activity. The method therefore may not be sufficient on its own, but could still be a useful complement to others, and e.g. help provide some handle on colour rearrangement effects.

Comments: 1+8 pages, LaTeX2e, 6 eps figures included in file using filecontents environments