Leading and Next-to-Leading Logarithmic Approximations in Quantum Electrodynamics

Abstract

t—Methods for determination of QED radiative corrections in the leading and next-to- leading logarithmic approximations are described. Analytical solutions to the QED evolution equations for electron structure functions are presented. Some examples of applying the methods described to construction of the high-precision description of processes in high-energy accelerators are considered. A case of the calculation of higher-order corrections to the muon decay spectrum is considered in detail. Use of the approaches developed to justify methods of radiation return and direct measurement of the QED running constant is discussed.