Precision physics with inclusive QCD processes

The inclusive production of hadrons through electroweak currents can be rigorously analysed with short-distance theoretical tools. The associated observables are insensitive to the involved infrared behaviour of the strong interaction, allowing for very precise tests of Quantum Chromodynamics. The theoretical predictions for sigma(e(+)e(-) -> hadrons) and the hadronic decay widths of the tau lepton and the Z, W and Higgs bosons have reached an impressive accuracy of O(alpha(4)(s)). Precise experimental measurements of the Z and tau hadronic widths have made possible the accurate determination of the strong coupling at two very different energy scales, providing a highly significant experimental verification of asymptotic freedom. A detailed discussion of the theoretical description of these processes and their current phenomenological status is presented. The most precise determinations of alpha(s) from other sources are also briefly reviewed and compared with the fully-inclusive results. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The inclusive production of hadrons through electroweak currents can be rigorously analysed with short-distance theoretical tools. Precise experimental measurements have reached an impressive accuracy, providing a highly significant experimental verification of asymptotic freedom in strong interaction theory. Theoretical predictions and current phenomenological status of these processes are discussed in detail.