Universality of TMD distribution functions

Abstract: We introduce transverse momentum dependent parton distribution functions (TMDs) for gluons with definite rank. The rank refers to the azimuthal dependence corresponding to the tensorial structure in transverse momenta multiplying universal functions only depending on $x$ and $p_T^2$. In this way only a finite number of functions of definite rank remains for a target with the maximal rank depending on its spin. Gauge links, required for color gauge invariance, enter in the explicit description of the matrix elements corresponding to these TMDs and account for their process dependence. In this way a general gauge link dependent function is expressed in the universal set, where all process (i.e. gauge link) dependence is isolated in gluonic pole factors multiplying the universal TMDs of definite rank.