Inelastic strong interactions at high energies. [Cross sections, field theory]

A method permitting the calculation of inclusive and semi-inclusive cross sections at high energies starting from an arbitrary field theory was worked out. The method relies on a functional integral representation of the generating functional of inclusive cross sections and on the use of semiclassical methods. The inclusive cross section is proportional to the absolute square of the Fourier transform of a special soliton solution of the classical field equations in zeroth order semi-classical approximation. A conserved topological quantum number that has a nonzero value for the soliton solution was found. Future research to be performed in this field under the contract is described including applications to various field theories and the exploration of connections with Reggeon field theory