Abstract

Within the framework of kt factorization, we compute the differential cross section for the production of B and D mesons, using a general-mass variable-flavor-number scheme. Our calculations include all relevant 2→2 processes. We explain how to include the 2→1 process in our calculations but argue this is not (numerically) relevant at moderate transverse momentum due to its cancellation with the subtraction term. We apply this formalism to pp collisions and compare our results with ALICE and LHCb data at central and forward rapidity.