The next-to-leading order Higgs impact factor in the infinite top-mass limit

We calculate the next-to-leading order correction to the impact factor (vertex) for the production of a forward Higgs boson, obtained in the infinite top-mass limit. We present the result both in the momentum representation and as superposition of the eigenfunctions of the leading-order BFKL kernel. This impact factor is a necessary ingredient for the description of the inclusive hadroproduction of a forward Higgs in the limit of small Bjorken x, as well as for the study of inclusive forward emissions of a Higgs boson in association with a backward identified object.

Automated summary

This article calculates the next-to-leading order correction to the impact factor for the production of a forward Higgs boson in the infinite top-mass limit. The result is presented both in momentum representation and as a superposition of the eigenfunctions of the leading-order BFKL kernel. This impact factor is crucial for describing the inclusive hadroproduction of a forward Higgs in the small Bjorken x limit, as well as for studying the inclusive forward emissions of a Higgs boson in association with a backward identified object.