Comparison of numerical solutions for Q^2 evolution equations

Abstract

Q^2 evolution equations are important not only for describing hadron reactions in accelerator experiments but also for investigating ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays. The standard ones are called DGLAP evolution equations, which are integrodifferential equations. There are methods for solving the Q^2 evolution equations for parton-distribution and fragmentation functions. Because the equations cannot be solved analytically, various methods have been developed for the numerical solution. We compare brute-force, Laguerre-polynomial, and Mellin-transformation methods particularly by focusing on the numerical accuracy and computational efficiency. An efficient solution could be used, for example, in the studies of a top-down scenario for the ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays.