Overlap function and regge cut in a self-consistent multi-regge model

Abstract

We present a self-consistent multi-Regge model with unit intercept for the input trajectory. Violation of unitarity is avoided in the model by assuming the vanishing of the pomeron-pomeron-hadron vertex, as the mass of either pomeron tends to zero. The model yields an output Regge pole in the inelastic overlap function which fort>0 lies on the r.h.s. of the moving branch point in the complexJ-plane, but fort<0 moves to unphysical sheets. The leading Regge-cut contribution to the forward diffraction amplitude can be negative, so that the total cross-section predicted by the model attains a limiting value from below.