$O(α_s^2)$ Contributions to the asymmetric fragmentation function in $e^+e^-$ annihilation

Abstract

The order α_s^2 contributions to the coefficient functions corresponding to the asymmetric fragmentation function $F_A(x,Q^2)$ in $e^+e^-$ annihilation are calculated. From this calculation we infer that the order $(α_s/4π)^2$ correction to the flavour asymmetry sum rule is non vanishing and amounts to $-12β_0C_Fζ(3)$. We also study the effect of the higher order QCD corrections on $F_A(x,Q^2)$ and compare them with the OPAL data. The latter put a strong constraint on the valence part of the fragmentation densities $D_q^H(x,μ^2)$.