O(α_s^2) Corrections to Top Quark Production at $e^+e^-$ Colliders

Abstract

In this article we evaluate mass corrections up to $O((m^2/q^2)^6)$ to the three-loop polarization function induced by an axial-vector current. Special emphasis is put on the evaluation of the singlet diagram which is absent in the vector case. As a physical application $O(α_s^2)$ corrections to the production of top quarks at future $e^+e^-$ colliders is considered. It is demonstrated that for center of mass energies $\sqrt{s} >~ 500$ GeV the inclusion of the first seven terms into the cross section leads to a reliable description.

LaTeX, 13 pages, 10 figures included as ps-files. The complete paper, including figures, is also available via anonymous ftp at ftp://ttpux2.physik.uni-karlsruhe.de/ , or via www at http://www-ttp.physik.uni-karlsruhe.de/cgi-bin/preprints/