Inelastic diffractive proton-proton scattering in nonperturbative QCD

Abstract

We examine diffractive proton-proton scattering p p → p X. Using a functional integral approach we derive the scattering amplitudes, which are governed by the expectation value of lightlike Wegner-Wilson loops. This expectation value is then evaluated using a cumulant expansion and the model of the stochastic vacuum. From the scattering amplitudes we calculate total and differential cross sections for high centre of mass energy and small momentum transfer and compare with experiments.