The interaction of virtual photons is investigated using the reaction e+e- -> e+e- hadrons based on data taken by the OPAL experiment at e+e- centre-of-mass energies sqrt(s_ee)=189-209 GeV, for W>5 GeV and at an average Q^2 of 17.9 GeV^2. The measured cross-sections are compared to predictions of the Quark Parton Model (QPM), to the Leading Order QCD Monte Carlo model PHOJET to the NLO prediction for the reaction e+e- -> e+e-qqbar, and to BFKL calculations. PHOJET, NLO e+e- -> e+e-qqbar, and QPM describe the data reasonably well, whereas the cross-section predicted by a Leading Order BFKL calculation is too large.
Total cross section in the given phase space and assuming ALPHA = 1/137.
Differential cross section as a function of X where X is the maximum value of X1 or X2, the upper and lower vertex values.
Differential cross section as a function of Q**2 where Q**2 is the maximum value of Q1**2 or Q2**2, the upper and lower vertex values.
We have measured the scale invariant inclusive photon and π0 cross sections atW=14, 22 and 34 GeV. A comparison with π± data shows no significant difference between neutral and charged pion production. Comparing the integrated cross sections in thex range 0.15<x<1.0 we observe a considerable decrease from 14 GeV to 34 GeV with a statistical significance of 1.5 standard deviations. This is compatible with the expectations for scaling violations from QCD.
NUMERICAL VALUES OF DATA SUPPLIED BY H. OBERLACK.
NUMERICAL VALUES OF DATA SUPPLIED BY H. OBERLACK.
NUMERICAL VALUES OF DATA SUPPLIED BY H. OBERLACK.
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