γγ processes at high energyp−p colliders

Abstract

In this Brief Report we investigate the production of charged heavy particles via γγ fusion at high energy pp colliders. We revise previous claims that the γγ cross section is comparable to or larger than that for the corresponding Drell-Yan process at high energies. Indeed we find that the γγ contribution to the total production cross section at pp is far below the Drell-Yan cross section. As far as the individual elastic, semielastic, and inelastic contributions to the γγ process are concerned we find that they are all of the same order of magnitude.