Tensor-polarized structure functions: Tensor structure of deuteron in 2020's

Abstract

We explain spin structure for a spin-one hadron, in which there are new structure functions, in addition to the ones ($F_1$, $F_2$, $g_1$, $g_2$) which exist for the spin-1/2 nucleon, associated with its tensor structure. The new structure functions are $b_1$, $b_2$, $b_3$, and $b_4$ in deep inelastic scattering of a charged-lepton from a spin-one hadron such as the deuteron. Among them, twist-two functions are related by the Callan-Gross type relation $b_2 = 2 x b_1$ in the Bjorken scaling limit. First, these new structure functions are introduced, and useful formulae are derived for projection operators of $b_{1-4}$ from a hadron tensor $W_{\mu\nu}$. Second, a sum rule is explained for $b_1$, and possible tensor-polarized distributions are discussed by using HERMES data in order to propose future experimental measurements and to compare them with theoretical models. A proposal was approved to measure $b_1$ at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab), so that much progress is expected for $b_1$ in the near future. Third, formalisms of polarized proton-deuteron Drell-Yan processes are explained for probing especially tensor-polarized antiquark distributions, which were suggested by the HERMES data. The studies of the tensor-polarized structure functions will open a new era in 2020's for tensor-structure studies in terms of quark and gluon degrees of freedom, which is much different from ordinary descriptions in terms of nucleons and mesons.