Final-state interactions and single-spin asymmetries in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering

Recent measurements from the HERMES and SMC Collaborations show a remarkably large azimuthal single-spin asymmetries A_UL and A_UT of the proton in semi-inclusive pion leptoproduction γ^*(q)p→πX. We show that final-state interactions from gluon exchange between the outgoing quark and the target spectator system lead to single-spin asymmetries in deep inelastic lepton–proton scattering at leading twist in perturbative QCD; i.e., the rescattering corrections are not power-law suppressed at large photon virtuality Q² at fixed x_bj. The existence of such single-spin asymmetries requires a phase difference between two amplitudes coupling the proton target with J^z_p=±1/2 to the same final-state, the same amplitudes which are necessary to produce a nonzero proton anomalous magnetic moment. We show that the exchange of gauge particles between the outgoing quark and the proton spectators produces a Coulomb-like complex phase which depends on the angular momentum L^z of the proton's constituents and is thus distinct for different proton spin amplitudes. The single-spin asymmetry which arises from such final-state interactions does not factorize into a product of distribution function and fragmentation function, and it is not related to the transversity distribution δq(x,Q) which correlates transversely polarized quarks with the spin of the transversely polarized target nucleon.     

Set the controls for the heart of the Sun

In this paper we describe experiments conducted with high-power lasers that are attempting to replicate, for a very short time and in miniature, conditions found in the Sun. Experiments to date have reached conditions in the outer part of the Sun. To reach the Sun's centre requires compression of material to very much greater than solid density and heating to over ten million degrees. To achieve this, a new class of experiments and a new generation of high-power lasers are required.     

Effect of fiber-spinning profile on plug-and-play quantum-key distribution systems

The spin profile of a fiber is usually optimized to reduce transmission impairments caused by polarization-mode dispersion (PMD). In this paper, we show that fiber-optic-based plug-and-play quantum-key distribution systems using polarization modulation and fibers with a spin profile optimal for PMD may suffer from a large Faraday rotation induced by the geomagnetic field. We show that, for periodic spin patterns of small periods, the Faraday rotation is minimum when no spin is applied to the fiber.     

Spin physics at a fixed-target experiment at the LHC (AFTER@LHC)

We outline the opportunities for spin physics which are offered by a next generation and multipurpose fixed-target experiment exploiting the proton LHC beam extracted by a bent crystal. In particular, we focus on the study of single transverse spin asymetries with the polarisation of the target.     

The mechanochemical reactions between CsF and kaolinite

The grinding of a mixture containing kaolinite and CsF was carried out by three different techniques, short manual grinding, Fisher mechanical mortar and Retsch ball mill. In addition to different cesium aluminium silicates which were detected by X-ray powder diffraction, a new type of intercalation complex was identified by FTIR spectroscopy. The X-ray diffractogram of this complex did not show any basal spacing, which may characterize the complex but the 0.715 nm characteristic peak of the untreated kaolinite became very weak. The Retsch ball mill led to a slight destruction of the kaolinite and the formation of small amounts of the new intercalation complex. The delamination of book-like kaolinite assemblages was observed after the manual and Fisher mortar grindings. In the latter grinding techniques the kaolin-like layers persisted and served as the framework for the intercalation complexes. Received: 4 February 1998 Accepted: 11 March 1998