Probabilistic Jet Algorithms

Abstract

Conventional jet algorithms are based on a deterministic view of the underlying hard scattering process. Each outgoing parton from the hard scattering is associated with a hard, well separated jet. This approach is very successful because it allows quantitative predictions using lowest order perturbation theory. However, beyond leading order in the coupling constant, when quantum fluctuations are included, deterministic jet algorithms will become problematic precisely because they attempt to describe an inherently stochastic quantum process using deterministic, classical language. This demands a shift in the way we view jet algorithms. We make a first attempt at constructing more probabilistic jet algorithms that reflect the properties of the underlying hard scattering and explore the basic properties and problems of such an approach.