Background-field method and QCD factorization

Abstract: One method for deriving a factorization for QCD processes is to use successive integration over fields in the functional integral. In this approach, we separate the fields into two categories: dynamical fields with momenta above a relevant cutoff, and background fields with momenta below the cutoff. The dynamical fields are then integrated out in the background of the low-momentum background fields. This strategy works well at tree level, allowing us to quickly derive QCD factorization formulas at leading order. However, to extend the approach to higher loops, it is necessary to rigorously define the functional integral over dynamical fields in an arbitrary background field. This framework was carefully developed for the calculation of the effective action in a background field at the two-loop level in the classic paper by Abbott [1]. Building on this work, I specify the renormalized background-field Lagrangian and define the notion of the quantum average of an operator in a background field, consistent with the ``separation of scales'' scheme mentioned earlier. As examples, I discuss the evolution of the twist-2 gluon light-ray operator and the one-loop gluon propagator in a background field near the light cone.