We present a simple and accurate analytical method for calculating the cross section for polarized and unpolarized isolated prompt photon production in next-to-leading order, taking into account also the next-to-leading-order fragmentation contribution in the unpolarized case. We demonstrate the good accuracy of our method over a wide range of the isolation parameters and study the effects the isolation cuts have on the cross section at colliders.

• Received 24 January 1994

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.50.1901