Pomeron-nucleon coupling in QCD

The Pomeron-nucleon coupling vertex is theoretically derived from the fundamental theory of strong interaction, QCD. The empirical vertex βγμF1(t) used commonly in diffractive processes with a coupling strength β=6.0 GeV-1 is initially obtained. Our study not only reproduces the Pomeron-nucleon coupling from QCD but also clearly shows the gluonic origin and glueball nature of Pomeron. From this investigation together with the results of our previous study, the authors may claim that the Pomeron could be regarded as a Reggeized tensor glueball ξ(2230) with quantum numbers of IGJPC=0+2++ which lies on the Pomeron trajectory αP(t=Mξ2)=2. Consequently, longstanding puzzle that no physical particle lies on the Pomeron trajectory seems to be solved. (authors)