Approximate Next-to-Leading Order and Next-to-Next-to-Leading Order Corrections

Abstract

For processes involving structure functions and/or fragmentation functions, arguments that, over a range of a proper kinematic variable, there is a part that dominates the next-to-leading order (NLO) corrections are briefly reviewed. The arguments are tested against more recent NLO and in particular complete next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) calculations. A critical examination of when these arguments may not be useful is also presented.