Search

In the framework of our model of soft interactions at high energy based on CGC/saturation approach,we show that Bose-Einstein correlations of identical gluons lead to large values of $v_n$. We demonstrate how three dimensional scales of high energy interactions: hadron radius, typical size of the wave function in diffractive production of small masses (size of the constituent quark), and the saturation momentum, influence the values of BE correlations, and in particular, the values of $v_n$. Our calculation shows that the structure of the `dressed' Pomeron leads to values of $v_n$ which are close to experimental values for proton-proton scattering, 20\% smaller than the observed values for proton-lead collisions, and close to lead-lead collisions for 0-10\% centrality. Bearing this result in mind, we conclude that it is premature to consider, that the appearance of long range rapidity azimuthal correlations are due only to the hydrodynamical behaviour of the quark-gluon plasma., Comment: 26pp. 25 figures in .eps files

We show that Bose-Einstein correlations of identical particles in hadron and nucleus high energy collisions, lead to long range rapidity correlations in the azimuthal angle. These correlations are inherent features of the CGC/saturation approach, however, their origin is more general than this approach. In framework of the proposed technique both even and odd $v_n$ occur naturally, independent of the type of target and projectile. We are of the opinion that it is premature to conclude that the appearance of azimuthal correlations are due to the hydrodynamical behaviour of the quark-gluon plasma., Comment: 5pp. 4 figures in eps files

In this paper we continue our program to construct a model for high energy soft interactions, based on the CGC/saturation approach. We demonstrate that in our model which describes diffractive physics as well as multi-particle production at high energy, the density variation mechanism leads to the value of $v_2$ which is about $60\% \div 70\%$ of the measured $v_2$. Bearing in mind that in CGC/saturation approach there are two other mechanisms present: Bose enhancement in the wave function and local anisotropy, we believe that the azimuthal long range rapidity correlations in proton-proton collisions stem from the CGC/saturation physics, and not from quark-gluon plasma production., Comment: 21 pp., 12 figures in eps files. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1508.04236

We estimate the value of the survival probability for central exclusive production, in a model, which is based on the CGC/saturation approach. Hard and soft processes are described in the same framework. At LHC energies, we obtain a small value for the survival probability. The source of the small value, is the impact parameter dependence of the hard amplitude. Our model has successfully described a large body of soft data: elastic, inelastic and diffractive cross sections,inclusive production and rapidity correlations, as well as the $t$-dependence of deep inelastic diffractive production of vector mesons, Comment: 21 pp, 13 figures in eps files

In this paper we continue our program to build a model for high energy soft interactions, that is based on the CGC/saturation approach.The main result of this paper is that we have discovered a mechanism that leads to large long range rapidity correlations, and results in large values of the correlation function $R\Lb y_1,y_2\Rb \,\geq \,1$, which is independent of $y_1$ and $ y_2$. Such behaviour of the correlation function, provides strong support for the idea, that at high energies the system of partons that is produced, is not only dense, but also has strong attractive forces acting between the partons., Comment: 22 pages and 13 figures in eps files

In this letter we demonstrate that our dipole model is successful in describing the inclusive production within the same framework as diffractive physics. We believe that this achievement stems from the fact that our approach incorporates the positive features of the Reggeon approach and CGC/saturation effective theory, for high energy QC, Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures in.eps files

In this paper we continue the development of a model for strong interactions at high energy, based on two ingredients: CGC/saturation approach and the BFKL Pomeron. In our approach, the unknown mechanism of confinement of quarks and gluons, is characterized by several numerical parameters, which are extracted from the experimental data. We demonstrate that the two channel model, successfully describes the experimental data, including both the value of the elastic slope and the energy behavior of the single diffraction cross section. We show that the disagreement with experimental data of our previous single channel eikonal model [6] stems from the simplified approach used for the hadron structure, and is not related to our principal theoretical input, based on the CGC/saturation approach., Comment: 20 pp., 20 figure in eps files

We present our first attempt to develop a model for soft interactions at high energy, based on the BFKL Pomeron and the CGC/saturation approach. We construct an eikonal-type model, whose opacity is determined by the exchange of the dressed BFKL Pomeron. The Green's function of the Pomeron is calculated in the framework of the CGC/saturation approach. Using five parameters we achieve a good description of the experimental data at high energies ( $W\,\geq\,0.546\,TeV$). The model results in different behaviour for the single and double diffraction cross sections at high energies. The single diffraction cross section reaches a saturated value (about 10 mb) at high energies, while the double diffraction cross section continues growing slowly, Comment: 21 pp. 16 figures in eps files

In this review we present our model which is an example of the self consistent approach that incorporates our theoretical understanding of long distance physics, based both on N=4 SYM for strong coupling and on the matching with the perturbative QCD approach. We demonstrate how important and decisive the LHC data were on strong interactions which led us to a set of the phenomenological parameters that fully confirmed our theoretical expectations, and produced a new picture of the strong interaction at high energy. We also show how far we have come towards creating a framework for the description of minimal bias events for high energy scattering without generating Monte Carlo codes., Comment: 48 pp. 32 figures in .eps files, Contribution to appear in the special issue of International Journal opf Modern Physics A on on "Elastic and Diffractive Scattering" coordinated by Cristophe Royon. IJMPA .2014

We show that Pomeron interactions generate important corrections to the Gribov-Glauber formula, which is used to extract proton-proton cross sections from proton-air collisions at high energy. We show that these corrections are larger than the errors for proton-air cross sections measured at ultra high energies in cosmic ray experiments. We present a description of these data in our model for soft interactions at high energies, which describes all available accelerator data including that from the LHC., Comment: 6pp, 5 figures in eps files

In this paper we take the next step (following the successful description of inclusive hadron production) in describing the structure of the bias events without the aid of Monte Carlo codes. Two new results are presented :(i) a method for calculating the two particle correlation functions in the BFKLPomeron calculus in zero transverse dimension;and (ii) an estimation of the values of these correlations in a model of soft interactions. Comparison with the multiplicity data at the LHC is given., Comment: 23pp. 13 figures in eps.files

In the framework of our model (GLM) for soft interaction with $\alpha'_{\pom}(0)=0$, we propose a procedure based on Gribov's partonic interpretation of the Pomeron, which enables one to calculate the diffractive mass distributions in hadron-hadron scattering. Using the analogy with deep-inelastic scattering, we associate the Pomeron-quark interaction with the Good-Walker sector of the hadron-hadron scattering, and the Pomeron-gluon sector with the t-channel Pomeron interactions. We present predicted mass distributions for the LHC energies, Comment: 7 pages, 19 figures

We show in this paper that we have found a set of parameters in our model for the soft interactions at high energy, that successfully describes all high energy experimental data, including the LHC data. This model is based on a single Pomeron with large intercept $\Delta_\pom = 0.23$ and slope $\alpha'_\pom = 0$, that describes both long and short distance processes. It also provides a natural matching with perturbative QCD. All features of our model are similar to the expectations of N=4 SYM, which at present is the only theory that is able to treat srong interactions on a theoretical basis., Comment: 11 pages with 7 figures in eps formats

Most models for soft interactions which were proposed prior to the measurements at the LHC, are only marginally compatible with LHC data, our GLM model has the same deficiency. In this paper we investigate possible causes of the problem, by considering separate fits to the high energy ($W > 500\, GeV$), and low energy ($W < 500\, GeV$) data. Our new results are moderately higher than our previous predictions. Our results for total and elastic cross sections are systematically lower that the recent Totem and Alice published values, while our results for the inelastic and forward slope agree with the data. If with additional experimental data, the errors are reduced, while the central cross section values remain unchanged, we will need to reconsider the physics on which our model is built., Comment: 12 pp, 12 figures in .eps files

In this paper we present a self consistent theoretical approach for the calculation of the Survival Probability for central dijet production . These calculations are performed in a model of high energy soft interactions based on two ingredients:(i) the results of N=4 SYM, which at the moment is the only theory that is able to deal with a large coupling constant; and (ii) the required matching with high energy QCD. Assuming, in accordance with these prerequisites, that soft Pomeron intercept is rather large and the slope of the Pomeron trajectory is equal to zero, we derive analytical formulae that sum both enhanced and semi-enhanced diagrams for elastic and diffractive amplitudes. Using parameters obtained from a fit to the available experimental data, we calculate the Survival Probability for central dijet production at energies accessible at the LHC. The results presented here which include the contribution of semi-enhanced and net diagrams, are considerably larger than our previous estimates., Comment: 11 pages, 10 pictures in .eps files

In this paper we construct a model that satisfies the theoretical requisites of high energy soft interactions, based on two ingredients:(i) the results of N=4 SYM, which at present is a unique theory that allows one to deal with a large coupling constant; and (ii) the requirement of matching with high energy QCD. In accordance with these ideas, we assume that the soft Pomeron intercept is rather large, and the slope of the Pomeron trajectory is equal to zero. We derive analytical formulae that sum both enhanced and semi-enhanced diagrams for elastic and diffractive amplitudes. We fit the available experimental data, and predict the valuefor cross sections at the energies accessible at the LHC. The main corrections to the model are studied and evaluated., Comment: 36 pp. 20 figures and 3 tables

Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Elastic and Diffractive Scattering (Blois Workshop) - Moving Forward into the LHC Era, Comment: 511 pages. Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Elastic and Diffractive Scattering, CERN, Geneva, June-July 2009

We extend our two component Pomeron model (GLMM) for soft high energy scattering to single inclusive cross sections. We present a suitable formulation which also includes the semi enhanced Pomeron-particle vertex corrections. The available data on single inclusive density $(1/\sigma_{in})d\sigma/dy$ in the c.m. energy range of 200-1800 GeV, including the just published Alice Collaboration point at 900 GeV,and the CMS collaboration measurements at 900 and 2360 GeV are well reproduced by our model. We also present predictions covering the complete LHC energy range which can be readily tested in the early low luminosity LHC runs. The results presented in this communication provide additional support to our Pomeron model approach., Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures

In this paper we consider nucleus-nucleus and hadron-nucleus reactions in the kinematic region: $g A^{1/3} G_{3\pom} \exp\Lb \Delta Y\Rb \approx 1 G^2_{3\pom} \exp\Lb \Delta Y\Rb \approx 1 $, where $G_{3\pom}$ is the triple Pomeron coupling, $g$ is the vertex of Pomeron nucleon interaction, and 1 + $\Delta_{\pom}$ denotes the Pomeron intercept. We find that in this kinematic region the traditional Glauber-Gribov eikonal approach is inadequate. We show that it is necesssary to take into account inelastic Glauber corrections, which can not be expressed in terms of the nucleon-nucleon scattering amplitudes. In the wide range of energies where $\alpha'_\pom Y \ll R^2_A$,the scattering amplitude for the nucleus-nucleus interaction, does not depend on the details of the nucleon-nucleon interaction at high energy. In the formalism we present, the only (correlated) parameters that are required to describe the data are $\Delta_{\pom}$, $G_{3\pom}$ and $g$. These parameters were taken from our description of the nucleon-nucleon data at high energies \cite{GLMM}.The predicted nucleus modification factor is compared with RHIC Au-Au data at $W = 200 GeV.$ Estimates for LHC energies are presented and discusssed., Comment: 18pp. 14 fugures

Multi Pomeron interactions are the main source of high mass diffraction. Their role in high energy dynamics greatly influences the predictions for high energy cross sections and survival probabilities of hard diffraction channels, notably, diffractive Higgs production at the LHC. Our approach, is motivated by the fact that we obtain a very small value for the fitted slope of the Pomeron trajectory, which justifies the use of perturbative QCD for soft scattering. Our suggested model differs from the proposal of the Durham KMR group which is based on a parton model interpretation of the Reggeon calculus in the complex J-plane in which multi Pomeron vertices are arbitrarily defined. The theoretical input and predictions of the two groups, as well as their data analysis and procedures are compared and evaluated., Comment: 16 pages, 4 figures, based on a talk by U. Maor at LISHEP 2009, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Jan. 2009

We propose a QCD motivated theoretical approach to high energy soft interactions, which successfully describes the experimental data on total, elastic and diffraction cross sections. We predict that the survival probability for the diffractive Higgs production at the LHC energy is small (less than 1%), and investigate the influence of suggested corrections e.g. threshhold effects and semi-enhanced diagrams, on this value., Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures

In this paper we develop an approach to soft scattering processes at high energies,which is based on two mechanisms: Good-Walker mechanism for low mass diffractionand multi-Pomeron interactions for high mass diffraction. The pricipal idea, that allows us to specify the theory for Pomeron interactions, is that the so called soft processes occur at rather short distances ($r^2 \propto 1 /^2 \propto \alpha'_\pom \approx 0.01 GeV^{-2}$), where perturbative QCD is valid. The value of the Pomeron slope $\alpha'_\pom $ was obtained from the fit to experimental data. Using this theoretical approach we suggest a model that fits all soft data in the ISR-Tevatron energy range, the total, elastic, single and double diffractive cross sections, including $t$ dependence of the differential elastic cross section, and the mass dependence of single diffraction. In this model we calculate the survival probability of diffractive Higgs production, and obtained a value for this observable, which is smaller than 1% at the LHC energy range., Comment: 33pp,20 figures in eps files

We present and discuss our recent study of an eikonal two channel model, in which we reproduce the soft total, integrated elastic and diffractive cross sections, and the corresponding forward differential slopes in the ISR-Tevatron energy range. Our study is extended to provide predictions at the LHC and Cosmic Rays ene$ These are utilized to assess the role of unitarity at ultra high energies, as well as predict the implied survival probability of exclusive diffractiv$ central production of a light Higgs. Our approach is critically examined so as to estimate the margins of error of the calculated survival probability for diffractive Higgs production, Comment: 6pp. 3 figures

In this paper we present a two channel model with the goal of reproducing the soft scattering data available in the ISR-Tevatron energy range, and extend the model results to LHC and Cosmic Rays energies. A characteristic feature of the model is that we represent the sum of all diffractive final states at a vertex, by a single diffractive state. Our two main results are: (i) The approach of the elastic scattering amplitude to the black disc bound is very slow, reaching it at energies far higher than the GZK ankle cutoff. (ii) Our predicted survival probability for Higgs exclusive central diffractive production at the LHC is 0.7%, which is considerably smaller than our previous estimate. The above features are compatible with a parton-like model in which the traditional soft Pomeron is replaced by an amplitude describing the partonic system, which issaturated in the soft (long distance) limit., Comment: 22 pages, 15 figures

Based on the calculation of survival probabilities, we discuss the problem of extracting the value of $G_{3P}$, the triple Pomeron 'bare' coupling constant, by comparing the large rapidity gap single high mass diffraction data in proton-proton scattering and $J/\Psi$ photo and DIS production. For p-p scattering the calculation in a three amplitude rescattering eikonal model, predicts the survival probability to be an order of magnitude smaller than for the two amplitude case. The survival probabilities calculation for photo and DIS $J/\Psi$ production is made in a dedicated model. In this process we show that, even though its survival probability is considerably larger than in p-p scattering, its value is below unity and cannot be neglected in the data analysis. We argue that, regardless of the uncertainties in the suggested procedure, its outcome is important both with regards to a realistic estimate of $G_{3P}$, and the survival probabilities relevant to LHC experiments., Comment: 17 pages, 8 pictures and one table

The HERA electron--proton collider has collected 100 pb$^{-1}$ of data since its start-up in 1992, and recently moved into a high-luminosity operation mode, with upgraded detectors, aiming to increase the total integrated luminosity per experiment to more than 500 pb$^{-1}$. HERA has been a machine of excellence for the study of QCD and the structure of the proton. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which will collide protons with a centre-of-mass energy of 14 TeV, will be completed at CERN in 2007. The main mission of the LHC is to discover and study the mechanisms of electroweak symmetry breaking, possibly via the discovery of the Higgs particle, and search for new physics in the TeV energy scale, such as supersymmetry or extra dimensions. Besides these goals, the LHC will also make a substantial number of precision measurements and will offer a new regime to study the strong force via perturbative QCD processes and diffraction. For the full LHC physics programme a good understanding of QCD phenomena and the structure function of the proton is essential. Therefore, in March 2004, a one-year-long workshop started to study the implications of HERA on LHC physics. This included proposing new measurements to be made at HERA, extracting the maximum information from the available data, and developing/improving the theoretical and experimental tools. This report summarizes the results achieved during this workshop., Comment: Part A: plenary presentations, WG1: parton density functions, WG2: Multi-Jet final states and energy flows. 326 pages Part B: WG3: Heavy Quarks (Charm and Beauty), WG4: Diffraction, WG5: Monte Carlo Tools, 330 pages

The HERA electron--proton collider has collected 100 pb$^{-1}$ of data since its start-up in 1992, and recently moved into a high-luminosity operation mode, with upgraded detectors, aiming to increase the total integrated luminosity per experiment to more than 500 pb$^{-1}$. HERA has been a machine of excellence for the study of QCD and the structure of the proton. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which will collide protons with a centre-of-mass energy of 14 TeV, will be completed at CERN in 2007. The main mission of the LHC is to discover and study the mechanisms of electroweak symmetry breaking, possibly via the discovery of the Higgs particle, and search for new physics in the TeV energy scale, such as supersymmetry or extra dimensions. Besides these goals, the LHC will also make a substantial number of precision measurements and will offer a new regime to study the strong force via perturbative QCD processes and diffraction. For the full LHC physics programme a good understanding of QCD phenomena and the structure function of the proton is essential. Therefore, in March 2004, a one-year-long workshop started to study the implications of HERA on LHC physics. This included proposing new measurements to be made at HERA, extracting the maximum information from the available data, and developing/improving the theoretical and experimental tools. This report summarizes the results achieved during this workshop., Comment: Part A: plenary presentations, WG1: parton density functions, WG2: Multi-Jet final states and energy flows. 326 pages Part B: WG3: Heavy Quarks (Charm and Beauty), WG4: Diffraction, WG5: Monte Carlo Tools, 330 pages. Figure 6 on page 411 replaced

In this paper we discuss the survival probability for exclusive central diffractive production of a colorless small size system at the LHC. This process has a clear signature of two large rapidity gaps. Using the eikonal approach for the description of soft interactions, we predict the value of the survival probability to be about 5~6% for single channel models, while for a two channel model the survival probability is about 3%. The dependence of the survival probability factor (damping factor) on the transverse momenta of the recoiled protons is discussed, and we suggest it be measured at the Tevatron so as to minimize the possible ambiguity in the calculation of survival probability at the LHC., Comment: 33 pages, 26 figures

Our presentation centers on the consequences of s-channel unitarity, manifested by soft re-scatterings of the spectator partons in a high energy diffractive process, focusing on the calculations of gap survival probabilities. Our emphasis is on recent estimates relevant to exclusive diffractive Higgs production at the LHC. To this end, we critically re-examine the comparison of the theoretical estimates of large rapidity gap hard di-jets with the measured data, and remark on the difficulties in the interpretation of HERA hard di-jet photoproduction., Comment: Prepared for the HERA and the LHC CERN/DESY workshop 2004/2005

Within the framework of a modified Balitsky-Kovchegov equation, we calculated and provide estimates of non-linear saturation effects expected in the LHC range of energies., Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures

We propose a modified version of the Balitsky-Kovchegov (B-K) evolution equation, which includes the main NLO corrections. We use the result that the main NLO corrections to the BFKL kernel are the LO DGLAP corrections. We present a numerical solution of the modified nonlinear equation, and compare with the solution of the unmodified B-K equation. We show that the saturation momentum has a sharp increase in the LHC energy range. Our numerical solution indicates that the influence of the pre-asymptotic corrections, related to the full anomolous dimensions of the DGLAP equation, are rather large. These corrections moderate the energy behaviour of the amplitude, as well as the value of the saturation scale. All our calculations are made with a fixed value of $\alpha_{s}$., Comment: 17 pages, 8 figures

Hard diffractive production of di-jets in the Tevatron and HERA are explored. It is argued that a consistent pQCD description of these data can be attained after s-channel unitarity re-scattering screening corrections are incorporated in the calculation. To this end a simple procedure is presented in which information derived from the measured soft total, elastic and diffractive cross sections simplifies the calculation and makes it parameter free. The above approach eliminates the inconsistencies seemingly observed when comparing the rates of diffractive di-jets production in different channels., Comment: 24 pages, 8 Figures, Latex2e

A numerical solution is presented for the non-linear evolution equation that governs the dynamics of high parton density QCD. It is shown that thesolution falls off as $e^{-b/R}$ at large values of the impact parameter $b$. The power-like tail of the amplitude appears in impact parameter distributions only after the inclusion of dipoles of size larger than the target, a configuration for which the non-linear equation is not valid. The value, energy and impact parameterof the saturation scale $Q_s(y=\ln(1/x),b)$) are calculated both for fixed and running QCD coupling cases. It is shown that the solution exhibits geometrical scaling behaviour. The radius of interaction increases as the rapidity in accordance with the Froissart theorem. The solution we obtain differs from previous attempts, where an anzatz for $b$ behaviour was made. The solutions for running and fixed $\as$ differ. For running $\as$ we obtain a larger radius of interaction (approximately twice as large), a steeper rapidity dependence, and a larger value of the saturation scale., Comment: 26 pages with 19 figures in eps.files

We calculate inclusive photoproduction cross-sections for both proton and nuclei targets, using a saturation model derived from an approximate solution to the Balitsky-Kovchegov nonlinear evolution equation. This paper extends our hypothesis, that one can successfully use the dipole picture and saturation models to describe soft processes, instead of the soft Pomeron Regge parametrization. Our fit is compatible with our previous fit to DIS data, and utilizes the same phenomenological parameters as in our paper devoted to soft hadronic interactions. Using the Glauber formalism, and no additional parameters, we calculate the cross-sections for photoproduction on various nuclei, and compare our results with the relevant data., Comment: A comparison of the model with Ca target is added. Accepted for publication in PRD

We apply our solution of the nonlinear evolution equation to the case of $J/\psi$ photo and DIS production on nucleons and nuclei targets. The uncertainty in the $J/\psi$ wave function normalization due to Fermi motion is treated as a free parameter. We obtain good reproduction of the HERA experimental data on a proton target. Calculations of $J/\psi$ mesons coherent production on nuclei targets are presented and discussed. Our analysis supports the conclusions reached in our previous studies, stressing the importance of nonlinear evolution in the kinematical domain of high-density QCD., Comment: Replaced with a revised version

We attempt to describe soft hadron interactions in the framework of saturation models, one based upon the Balitsky-Kovchegov non-linear equation and another one due to Golec-Biernat and W\"{u}sthoff. For $pp$, $Kp$, and $\pi p$ scattering the relevant hadronic wave functions are formulated, and total, elastic cross-sections, and the forward elastic slope are calculated and compared to experimental data. The saturation mechanism leads to reasonable reproduction of the data for the quantities analyzed, except for the forward elastic slope, where the predicted increase with energy is too moderate., Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures. One figure and several explanations are added. The version is to appear in PLB

A new approach to global QCD analysis is developed. The main ingredients are two QCD-based evolution equations. The first one is the Balitsky-Kovchegov nonlinear equation, which sums higher twists while preserving unitarity. The second equation is linear and it is responsible for the correct short distance behavior of the theory, namely it includes the DGLAP kernel. Our approach allows extrapolation of the parton distributions to very high energies available at the LHC as well as very low photon virtualities, $Q^2\ll 1 {\rm GeV^2}$. All existing low $x$ data on the $F_2$ structure function is reproduced using one fitting parameter. The resulting $\chi^2/df=1$. Analyzing the parameter $\lambda\equiv \partial\ln F_2/\partial(\ln 1/x)$ at very low $x$ and $Q^2$ well below $1 {\rm GeV^2}$ we find $\lambda \simeq 0.08 - 0.1$. A result which agrees with the "soft pomeron" intercept without involving soft physics., Comment: 27 pages, 11 figures

We discuss the $t$ dependence of $J/\psi$ production in the region of $0< -t < M^2_{\psi}$. The forward slope of the elastic differential cross section is calculated assuming a dipole-type dependence for the gluon ladder-proton form factor. The $t$ dependence of $d\sigma/dt$ is obtained using DGLAP evolution both for the elastic channel at low $-t$ and for the inelastic channel at large values of $-t$, up to $-t\simeq M^2_{\psi}$. Results are presented and compared with the relevant experimental data., Comment: Revised version

We suggest a new procedure for extrapolating the parton distributions from HERA energies to higher energies at THERA and LHC. The procedure suggested consists of two steps: first, we solve the non-linear evolution equation which includes the higher twists contributions, however this equation is deficient due to the low ($log(1/x)$) accuracy of our calculations. Second, we introduce a correcting function for which we write a DGLAP type linear evolution equation. We show that this correcting function is small in the whole kinematic region and decreases at low $x$. The nonlinear evolution equation is solved numerically and first estimates for the saturation scale, as well as for the value of the gluon density at THERA and LHC energies are made. We show that non-linear effects lead to damping of the gluon density by a factor of $2 \div 3$ at $x \approx 10^{-7}$., Comment: 19 pages, 28 figures

These notes are a summary of our predictions for the new THERA project, related to deep inelastic scattering in the region of ultra low $x$ ($x \to 10^{-7}$). We collect here predictions that satisfy two criteria (i) they do not depend on specific features of the model that we have to use to estimate a possible effect; and (ii) they do not contradict the HERA data., Comment: 20 pages, 13 figs in eps files

Photo and DIS production of $J/\Psi$ are investigated and compared with calculations based on pQCD in the LLA approximation without and with screening corrections. The calculation includes corrections induced by the real part of the production amplitude, the skewed (off diagonal) gluon structure function and the relativistic Fermi motion within the charmonium system. Our pQCD results are also compared with the predictions obtained from a Regge type two Pomeron model. Our results suggest some preference for our screened model, but the available data does not enable us to exclude any of the three models we have examined. The properties of these models, when extrapolated to both low and very high energies may provide a more effective discrimination between the different parameterizations., Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures in eps files

We discuss the saturation of the parton density in heavy ion collisions at RHIC energiesusing a Pomeron approach. Our predictions for the particle density in ion-ion collisions at RHIC energies can be utilized as the background for the observation of possible quark-gluon plasma production., Comment: 9 pages, 11 pictures in eps files

We examine the latest HERA experimental measurements of the $Q^2$ logarithmic derivative of the proton structure function. We analyze the characteristics of DGLAP with and without screening, as well as a Regge type model, and compare their predictions to all available data on $\slope$ including those for fixed W. Our results show that the present data can be described in pQCD taking into account shadowing corrections. However, such a description cannot be considered a conclusive signal of gluon saturation since the experimental data on $\slope$ do not allow one to discriminate between the various approaches, in spite of their very different construction., Comment: 15 pages, & figs in eps files

These notes are a summary of our efforts to answer the question in the title. Our answer is in the affirmative as: (i) HERA data indicate a large value of the gluon structure function; (ii) no contradictions with the asymptotic predictions of high density QCD have been observed; and (iii) the numerical estimates of our model give a natural description of the size of deviation from the routine DGLAP explanation. We discuss the alternative approaches and possible new experiments., Comment: 29 pages, 37 figures in eps files

We show that the ratio of different structure functions have a maximum which depends on energy. We argue, using Golec-Biernat and Wusthoff model, that these maxima are the certain functions of the saturation scale. The analysis of leading and higher twist contributions for different observables is given with the aim of determining the kinematic region where high parton density effects could be seen experimentally., Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures

In this investigation we present a detailed study of $\partial F_2/\partial \ln Q^2$ which is supported by a coupled analysis of $J/\Psi$ photo and DIS production. Both channels are directly proportional to $xG(x,Q^2)$, and as such serve as excellent discriminators between different approaches and models. We then show that taking GRV98NLO as input and correcting it for SC, we can reproduce the recent HERA data well. The calculation depends on one parameter $R^2=8.5GeV^{-2}$ which is directly determined from the $J/\Psi$ photoproduction forward differential slope. With this input we obtain an excellent fit to the $J/\Psi$ photo and DIS production data. Our calculations made in the LLA of pQCD take into account the corrections implied by the real part of the production amplitude, off diagonal (skewed) gluon distributions and the Fermi motion of the charm quarks within the bound Charmonium system., Comment: 18 pages in latex file, 10 figures in ps files

We gereralize the Kochegov-McLerran formula for the ratio $\sigma^{DD}/\sigma_{tot}$ in perturbative QCD, using Mueller-Glauber approach for shadowing corrections and AGK cutting rules. We investigate several phenomenological approaches with the goal of obtaining results consisent with experimental data. We fail to reproduce the observed weak energy dependence of the ratio, and conclude that the soft nonperturbative contribution present at short distances must also be included., Comment: 41 pages in latex file, 17 figures in eps files

We show that the ratio of different structure functions have a maximum which depends on $x_B$ and $A$. We argue that these maxima are proportional to the saturation scale. The analysis of leading and higher twist contributions for different observables is given with the aim of determining the kinematic region where high parton density effects could be seen experimentally., Comment: 16 pages of Latex file,8 figures in eps files

We formulate a generalization of the Glauber formalism for hadron-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions based on the Pomeron approach to high energy interactions. Our treatment is based on two physical assumptions (i.e. two small parameters) : (i) that only sufficiently small distances contribute to the Pomeron structure; and (ii) the triple Pomeron vertex $G_{3P}/g_{P-N} \ll 1$ (where $g_{P-N}$ is the Pomeron-nucleon vertex) is small. A systematic method is developed for calculating the total, elastic and diffractive dissociation cross sections as well as the survival probability of large rapidity gap processes and inclusive observables, both for hadron - nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions. Our approach suggests saturation of the density of the produced hadrons in nucleus-nucleus collisions, the value of the saturation density turns out to be large and depends on the number of nucleons in the lightest nucleus., Comment: 54 pages, 63 figures

We extend our previous treatment of $\gamma^*p$ cross section based on Gribov's hypothesis to the case of photon-photon scattering. With the aid of two parameters, determined from experimental data, we separate the interactions into two categories corresponding to short ("soft") and long ("hard") distance processes. The photon-photon cross section, thus, receives contributions from three sectors, soft-soft, hard-hard and hard-soft. The additive quark model is used to describe the soft-soft sector, pQCD the hard-hard sector, while the hard-soft sector is determined by relating it to the $\gamma^{*}$p system. We calculate and display the behaviour of the total photon-photon cross section and it's various components and polarizations for different values of energy and virtuality of the two photons, and discuss the significance of our results., Comment: 28 pages, 12 Postscript figures