New look at the QCD factorization

Abstract: We show that both the k_T- and collinear factorization for the DIS structure functions can be obtained by consecutive reductions of the Compton scattering amplitude. Each of these reductions is an approximation valid under certain assumptions. In particular, the transitions to the k_T- factorization is possible when the virtualities of the partons connecting the perturbative and non-perturbative blobs are space-like. Then, if the parton distribution has a sharp maximum in k_T, the k_T factorization can be reduced to the collinear factorization.