Diffraction: prospects for the LHC

The combination of CMS and TOTEM provides an unprecedented coverage in pseudo-rapidity at a hadron collider. Both collaborations intend to carry out a joint diffractive and forward physics program. This program includes studying fundamental aspects of soft QCD via inclusive single-diffraction and inclusive double-Pomeron exchange, as well as studying diffraction in the presence of a hard scale and using central exclusive production as a tool for discovery physics. Also possible is a rich program on low-x physics where Bjorken x values as low as 10−6 to 10−7 are within reach.