Dynamical parton distributions of the proton and small-x physics

The perturbative properties of parton distributions generated radiatively from a valence-like input at some low resolution scale are discussed with the aim of explaining the physical aspects underlying the reliability of the predicted distributions in the small-x region. Aspects of higher-twist (shadowing) effects as well as small-x resummations are discussed. Utilizing recent improved data atx?10^?2 and a factorization scheme in which the heavy quarksc, b, ..., arenot entailed among the intrinsic (massless) parton distributions, we readjust our valencelike input and provide parametrizations of the slightly modified dynamical LO and NLO $(\overline {MS} ,DIS)$ predictions for parton distributions.     

Pionic parton distributions

The gluon and sea distributions of the pion are uniquely determined by the requirement of avalence-like structure of the input parton distributions at some low resolution scale. These (dynamical) results are obtained with practically no free parameters, just using the experimentally determined pionic valence distribution combined with the constraints for the pionic gluon distribution provided by direct-γ data. Simple parametrizations of the resulting parton distributions are presented in the range 10^?5?x<1 and 0.3?Q ²?10⁸ GeV² as obtained from the leading-and higher-order evolution equations.     

Generalized parton distributions

We discuss how generalized parton distributions (GPDs) enter in a variety of hard exclusive processes such as deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) and hard meson electroproduction reactions on the nucleon. We show some key observables which are sensitive to the various hadron structure aspects of the GPDs, and discuss their experimental status.Received: 30 September 2002, Published online: 22 October 2003PACS: 13.60.Fz Elastic and Compton scattering - 13.60.Le Meson production - 12.38.Bx Perturbative calculations     

Generalized parton distributions

An introductory review of generalized parton distributions (GPDs) is given.Received: 1 November 2002, Published online: 15 July 2003PACS: 13.40.Gp Electromagnetic form factors - 13.60.Fz Elastic and Compton scattering - 13.60.Hb Total and inclusive cross-sections (including deep-inelastic processes)     

A possible resolution of the proton spin problem

A number of lines of investigation into the structure of the nucleon have converged to the point where it seems possible to propose a consistent explanation of the well known proton spin problem.     

Structure functions and parton distributions

We review recent developments in the determination of parton densities from deep inelastic and related data. We show how the asymmetries observed in theW ^± rapidity distributions and inpp/pn Drell-Yan production further constrain the partons at moderatex.     

Demystifying generalized parton distributions

In this paper, I will explain in as simple and intuitive physical terms as possible what generalized parton distributions are, what new information about the structure of hadrons they convey and therefore what picture of the hadron will emerge. To develop this picture, I will use the example of deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) and exclusive meson electroproduction processes. Based on this picture, I will then make some general predictions for these processes.Received: 2 December 2002, Revised: 20 August 2003, Published online: 2 October 2003     

Structure functions and parton distributions

We review recent developments in the determination of parton densities from deep inelastic and related data. We show how the asymmetries observed in theW ^± rapidity distributions and inpp/pn Drell-Yan production further constrain the partons at moderatex.     

Charm production and parton distributions

Recent accurate data on F ₂(x,Q) and on F ₂ ^c (x,Q) from HERA at small-x require a more precise treatment of charm production in the global analysis of parton distributions. We improve on existing global QCD analyses by implementing the leptoproduction formalism of Aivazis et al. which represents a natural generalization of the conventional zero mass QCD parton framework to include heavy quark mass effects. We also perform analyses based on the fixed-flavor-number scheme, which is widely used in the literature, and demonstrate their uses and limitations. We discuss the implications of the improved treatment of heavy quark mass effect in practical applications of PQCD and compare our results with recent related works.     

Dynamical parton distributions revisited

Dynamical parton densities, generated radiatively from valence-like inputs at some low resolution scale, are confronted with recent small-x data on deep inelastic and other hard scattering processes. It is shown that within theoretical uncertainties our previous (1994) dynamical/radiative parton distributions are compatible with most recent data and still applicable within the restricted accuracy margins of the presently available next-to-leading order calculations. Due to recent high precision measurements we also present an updated, more accurate, version of our (valence-like) dynamical input distributions. Furthermore, our perturbatively stable parameter-free dynamical predictions are extended to the extremely small-x region, , relevant to questions concerning ultra-high-energy cosmic ray and neutrino astronomy. Received: 22 June 1998 / Published online: 21 August 1998     

Polarized parton distributions of the photon

The polarized parton distributions of the photon are determined by imposing a VMD valence-like structure at some low resolution scale. Experimental tests at high energyep colliders are studied for inclusive single photon orW-boson production.     

Spin-dependent parton distributions and structure functions

Nuclear parton distributions and structure functions are determined in an effective chiral quark theory. We also discuss an extension of our model to fragmentation functions.     

Generalized parton distributions in the deuteron

We introduce generalized quark and gluon distributions in the deuteron, which can be measured in exclusive processes like deeply virtual Compton scattering and meson electroproduction. We discuss the basic properties of these distributions and point out how they probe the interplay of nucleon and parton degrees of freedom in the deuteron wave function.     

Generalized parton distributions of the photon

We present a first calculation of the generalized parton distributions of the photon (both polarized and unpolarized) using overlaps of light-front wave functions at leading order in α and zeroth order in αs; for non-zero transverse momentum transfer and zero skewness. We present the novel parton content of the photon in transverse position space.     

Parametrization of nuclear parton distributions

Optimum nuclear parton distributions are obtained by analysing available experimental data on electron and muon deep inelastic scattering (DIS). The distributions are given at Q ²=1 GeV² with a number of parameters, which are determined by a X ² analysis of the data. Valencequark distributions are relatively well determined at medium x, but they are slightly dependent on the assumed parametrization form particularly at small x. Although antiquark distributions are shadowed at small x, their behavior is not obvious at medium x from the F ₂ data. The gluon distributions could not be restricted well by the inclusive DIS data; however, the analysis tends to support the gluon shadowing at small x. We provide analytical expressions and computer subroutines for calculating the nuclear parton distributions, so that other researchers could use them for applications to other high-energy nuclear reactions.     

The improved nuclear parton distributions

In this paper we propose an improvement of the EKS nuclear parton distributions for the small x region of high energy processes, where the perturbative high parton density effects cannot be disregarded. We analyze the behavior of the ratios and and verify that at small x they are strongly modified when compared to the EKS predictions. The implications of our results for heavy ion collisions in RHIC and LHC are discussed. Received: 18 January 2001 / Revised version: 6 March 2001 / Published online: 3 May 2001