The Interest of Large-t Elastic Scattering

Existing data for large-$t$ $pp$ elastic-scattering differential cross-sections are energy-independent and behave as $t^{-8}$. This has been explained in terms of triple-gluon exchange, or alternatively through triple-singlet exchange. A discussion is given of the problems raised by each of these explanations, and of the possibility that at RHIC or LHC energies the exchange of three BFKL pomerons might result in a rapid rise with energy.