Saturation physics with prompt photons at NLO in p+A collisions

Abstract

We present recent progress in the analytical as well as the numerical calculation of the next-to-leading order (NLO) inclusive photon production and photon-jet angular correlations at central rapidities applicable to p+A and p+p collisions. After explaining the general cross section formulae we analyze numerically the different NLO contributions. We quantify the importance of quantum evolution effects for the gluon distribution functions. Finally, we show the results on photon-jet angular harmonics as a probe of gluon saturation effects.