Next-to-leading order calculation of three-jet observables in hadron-hadron collision

Abstract

The production of the three jets in hadron-hardon collision is the first more complex process which allow us to define a branch of variables in order to do more precise measurement of the strong coupling and the parton distribution function of the proton. This process is also suitable for studying the geometrical properties of the hadronic final state at hadron colliders. This requires next-to-leading order prediction of the three-jet observables. In this paper we describe the theoretical formalism of such a calculation with sufficient details. We use a the dipole method to construct Monte Carlo program for calculating three-jet observables at next-to-leading order accuracy. We present a theoretical prediction for inclusive and exclusive cross section and for some relevant event shape variables like transverse thrust, transverse jet broadening and Et3 variable.