THE ENERGY-ENERGY CORRELATION-FUNCTION REVISITED

The O(alpha(s)(2)) coefficient of the energy-energy correlation Functi on (EEC) has been calculated by four groups with differing results. Th is discrepancy has lead to some confusion over how to measure the stro ng coupling constant using the EEC and the asymmetry of the energy-ene rgy correlation function (AEEC) in electron-positron annihilation at t he Z resonance. For example, SLD average the four values of alpha(s) e xtracted from each of the different calculations. To resolve this situ ation, we present a new calculation of this coefficient using three se parate numerical techniques to cancel the infrared poles. All three me thods agree with each other and confirm the results of Kunszt and Naso n that form the benchmark for other O(alpha(s)(2)) quantities. As a co nsequence, the central values and theoretical errors of the strong cou pling constant derived by SLD from the EEC and AEEC are altered. Using the SLD data, we find, alpha(s)(EEC)(M(Z)(2)) = 0.125(-0.003)(+0.002) (exp.) +/- 0.012 (theory) and alpha(s)(AEEC)(M(Z)(2)) = 0.114 +/- 0.0 05 (exp.) +/- 0.004 (theory).