The γ∗γ∗ total cross section and the BFKL Pomeron at e+e− colliders

Abstract We present a numerical estimate of the γ ∗ γ ∗ total cross section at LEP and at the designed e + e − Next Linear Collider (NLC), based upon the BFKL Pomeron. We find for the linear collider that the event rate is substantial provided electrons scattered under small angles can be detected, and a measurement of this cross section provides an excellent test of the BFKL Pomeron. For LEP, although the number of events is substantially smaller, an initial study of this process is feasible.