Small-Angle Electron-Positron Scattering

Abstract

We consider small--angle electron--positron scattering in Quantum Electrodynamics. Leading logarithmic contributions to the cross--section are explicitly calculated to three loop. Next--to--leading terms are exactly computed to two loop. All the radiative corrections due to photons as well as pair production are taken into account. The impact of newly evaluated next-to-leading and higher order leading corrections is discussed and numerical results are explicitly given. The results obtained are generally valid for high and low energy $e^+e^-$ colliders. At LEP and SLC these results can be used to reduce the uncertainty on the cross--section below the per mille level. PACS numbers 12.15.Lk, 12.20.--m, 12.20.Ds, 13.40.--f