W. J. Stirling

Bio: W. J. Stirling is an academic researcher from University of Cambridge. The author has contributed to research in topics: Parton & Quantum chromodynamics. The author has an hindex of 62, co-authored 341 publications receiving 21048 citations. Previous affiliations of W. J. Stirling include CERN & University of Washington.

Parton distributions for the LHC

Abstract: We present updated leading-order, next-to-leading order and next-to-next-to-leading order parton distribution functions (“MSTW 2008”) determined from global analysis of hard-scattering data within the standard framework of leading-twist fixed-order collinear factorisation in the $\overline{\mathrm{MS}}$ scheme. These parton distributions supersede the previously available “MRST” sets and should be used for the first LHC data taking and for the associated theoretical calculations. New data sets fitted include CCFR/NuTeV dimuon cross sections, which constrain the strange-quark and -antiquark distributions, and Tevatron Run II data on inclusive jet production, the lepton charge asymmetry from W decays and the Z rapidity distribution. Uncertainties are propagated from the experimental errors on the fitted data points using a new dynamic procedure for each eigenvector of the covariance matrix. We discuss the major changes compared to previous MRST fits, briefly compare to parton distributions obtained by other fitting groups, and give predictions for the W and Z total cross sections at the Tevatron and LHC.

Parton distributions for the LHC

Abstract: We present a preliminary set of updated NLO parton distributions. For the first time we have a quantitative extraction of the strange quark and antiquark distributions and their uncertainties determined from CCFR and NuTeV dimuon cross sections. Additional jet data from HERA and the Tevatron improve our gluon extraction. Lepton asymmetry data and neutrino structure functions improve the flavour separation, particularly constraining the down quark valence distribution.

QCD and Collider Physics

Abstract: One of the triumphs of modern particle physics has been the extent to which Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) has successfully accounted for the strong interaction processes observed at high-energy particle colliders, for example the production of heavy quarks and jets of particles, and the short-distance parton structure of the proton. This book gives a detailed overview of collider physics with special emphasis on the study of QCD. After a general description of the QCD Lagrangian, and the properties of asymptotic freedom and colour confinement which derive from it, the most important applications at high-energy colliders are described in detail. These include the production of jets, heavy quarks, electroweak gauge bosons and Higgs bosons. The various methods of measuring the strong coupling constant are summarised. Many of the theoretical results are calculated from first principles, and the book will be both a textbook and a valuable source of reference material for all particle physicists.

Parton distributions for the LHC

Abstract: We present updated leading-order, next-to-leading order and next-to-next-to-leading order parton distribution functions ("MSTW 2008") determined from global analysis of hard-scattering data within the standard framework of leading-twist fixed-order collinear factorisation in the MSbar scheme. These parton distributions supersede the previously available "MRST" sets and should be used for the first LHC data-taking and for the associated theoretical calculations. New data sets fitted include CCFR/NuTeV dimuon cross sections, which constrain the strange quark and antiquark distributions, and Tevatron Run II data on inclusive jet production, the lepton charge asymmetry from W decays and the Z rapidity distribution. Uncertainties are propagated from the experimental errors on the fitted data points using a new dynamic procedure for each eigenvector of the covariance matrix. We discuss the major changes compared to previous MRST fits, briefly compare to parton distributions obtained by other fitting groups, and give predictions for the W and Z total cross sections at the Tevatron and LHC.

I and i

Abstract: There is, I think, something ethereal about i —the square root of minus one. I remember first hearing about it at school. It seemed an odd beast at that time—an intruder hovering on the edge of reality. Usually familiarity dulls this sense of the bizarre, but in the case of i it was the reverse: over the years the sense of its surreal nature intensified. It seemed that it was impossible to write mathematics that described the real world in …