arXiv subjects

A. Metz

Publications and source records attributed to A. Metz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Parton Distribution Functions and their Generalizations

This article is an introduction to parton distribution functions and their generalizations which describe the quark and gluon structure of hadrons, and can be measured in various high-energy scattering processes. We provide the theoretical background, highlight both historical and recent developments, explain the connections between the different functions, and expose in which processes these functions can be accessed and what we can learn from them about hadron structure.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

LHCspin: a Polarized Gas Target for LHC

The goal of the LHCspin project is to develop innovative solutions for measuring the 3D structure of nucleons in high-energy polarized fixed-target collisions at LHC, exploring new processes and exploiting new probes in a unique, previously unexplored, kinematic regime. A precise multi-dimensional description of the hadron structure has, in fact, the potential to deepen our understanding of the strong interactions and to provide a much more precise framework for measuring both Standard Model and Beyond Standard Model observables. This ambitious task poses its basis on the recent experience with the successful installation and operation of the SMOG2 unpolarized gas target in front of the LHCb spectrometer. Besides allowing for interesting physics studies ranging from astrophysics to heavy-ion physics, SMOG2 provides an ideal benchmark for studying beam-target dynamics at the LHC and demonstrates the feasibility of simultaneous operation with beam-beam collisions. With the installation of the proposed polarized target system, LHCb will become the first experiment to simultaneously collect data from unpolarized beam-beam collisions at $\sqrt{s}$=14 TeV and polarized and unpolarized beam-target collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}\sim$100 GeV. LHCspin has the potential to open new frontiers in physics by exploiting the capabilities of the world's most powerful collider and one of the most advanced spectrometers. This document also highlights the need to perform an R\&D campaign and the commissioning of the apparatus at the LHC Interaction Region 4 during the Run 4, before its final installation in LHCb. This opportunity could also allow to undertake preliminary physics measurements with unprecedented conditions.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2025

Comment on "QCD factorization with multihadron fragmentation functions"

We make several comments on the recent work in Ref.~\cite{Rogers:2024nhb} while also reaffirming and adding to the work in Ref.~\cite{Pitonyak:2023gjx}. We show that the factorization formula for $e^+e^-\to (h_1\cdots h_n)\, X$ in Ref.~\cite{Rogers:2024nhb} is equivalent to a version one can derive using the definition of a $n$-hadron fragmentation function (FF) introduced in Ref.~\cite{Pitonyak:2023gjx}. In addition, we scrutinize how to generalize the number density definition of a single-hadron FF to a $n$-hadron FF, arguing that the definition given in Ref.~\cite{Pitonyak:2023gjx} should be considered the standard one. We also emphasize that the evolution equations for dihadron FFs~(DiFFs) in Ref.~\cite{Pitonyak:2023gjx} have the same splitting functions as those for single-hadron FFs. Therefore, the DiFF (and $n$-hadron FF) definitions in Ref.~\cite{Pitonyak:2023gjx} have a natural number density interpretation and are consistent with collinear factorization using the standard hard factors and evolution kernels. Moreover, we make clear that the operator definition for the DiFF $D_1^{h_1h_2}(\xi,M_h)$ written down in Ref.~\cite{Rogers:2024nhb} agrees exactly with the one in Ref.~\cite{Pitonyak:2023gjx}. Contrary to what is implied in Ref.~\cite{Rogers:2024nhb}, this definition did not appear in the literature prior to the work in Ref.~\cite{Pitonyak:2023gjx}. There also seem to be inconsistencies in how $D_1^{h_1h_2}(\xi,M_h)$ appears in previous unpolarized cross section formulas in the literature.

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arXiv2023

Polarized Antimatter in the Proton from Global QCD Analysis

We present the first simultaneous global QCD analysis of spin-dependent parton distribution functions alongside their spin-averaged counterparts and pion, kaon, and unidentified hadron fragmentation functions. This analysis includes all data relevant for constraining the polarized light quark sea asymmetry $Δ\bar{u} - Δ\bar{d}$, in particular the latest polarized $W$-lepton production data from the STAR collaboration at RHIC and semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering data from COMPASS, allowing the most robust extraction available with minimal theoretical assumptions. We also extract a self-consistent set of antiquark polarization ratios $Δ\bar{u}/\bar{u}$ and $Δ\bar{d}/\bar{d}$ and determine the signs of the truncated contributions to the proton spin from the light antiquarks.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

First simultaneous global QCD analysis of dihadron fragmentation functions and transversity parton distribution functions

We perform a comprehensive study within quantum chromodynamics (QCD) of dihadron observables in electron-positron annihilation, semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering, and proton-proton collisions, including recent cross section data from Belle and azimuthal asymmetries from STAR. We extract simultaneously for the first time $\pi^+\pi^-$ dihadron fragmentation functions (DiFFs) and the nucleon transversity distributions for up and down quarks as well as antiquarks. For the transversity distributions we impose their small-$x$ asymptotic behavior and the Soffer bound. In addition, we utilize a new definition of DiFFs that has a number density interpretation to then calculate expectation values for the dihadron invariant mass and momentum fraction. Furthermore, we investigate the compatibility of our transversity results with those from single-hadron fragmentation (from a transverse momentum dependent/collinear twist-3 framework) and the nucleon tensor charges computed in lattice QCD. We find a universal nature to all of this available information. Future measurements of dihadron production can significantly further this research, especially, as we show, those that are sensitive to the region of large parton momentum fractions.

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arXiv2023

Transversity distributions and tensor charges of the nucleon: extraction from dihadron production and their universal nature

We perform the first global quantum chromodynamics (QCD) analysis of dihadron production for a comprehensive set of data in electron-positron annihilation, semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering, and proton-proton collisions, from which we extract simultaneously the transversity distributions of the nucleon and $\pi^+\pi^-$ dihadron fragmentation functions. We incorporate in our fits known theoretical constraints on transversity, namely, its small-$x$ asymptotic behavior and the Soffer bound. We furthermore show that lattice-QCD results for the tensor charges can be successfully included in the analysis. This resolves the previously reported incompatibility between the tensor charges extracted from dihadron production data and lattice QCD. We also find agreement with results for the transversity and tensor charges obtained from measurements on single-hadron production. Overall, our work demonstrates for the first time the universal nature of all available information for the transversity distributions and the tensor charges of the nucleon.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Number density interpretation of dihadron fragmentation functions

We present a new quantum field-theoretic definition of fully unintegrated dihadron fragmentation functions (DiFFs) as well as a generalized version for $n$-hadron fragmentation functions. We demonstrate that this definition allows certain sum rules to be satisfied, making it consistent with a number density interpretation. Moreover, we show how our corresponding so-called extended DiFFs that enter existing phenomenological studies are number densities and also derive their evolution equations. Within this new framework, DiFFs extracted from experimental measurements will have a clear physical meaning.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Isovector EMC effect from global QCD analysis with MARATHON data

We report the results of a Monte Carlo global QCD analysis of unpolarized parton distribution functions (PDFs), including for the first time constraints from ratios of $^3$He to $^3$H structure functions recently obtained by the MARATHON experiment at Jefferson Lab. Our simultaneous analysis of nucleon PDFs and nuclear effects in $A=2$ and $A=3$ nuclei reveals the first indication for an isovector nuclear EMC effect in light nuclei. We find that while the MARATHON data yield relatively weak constraints on the $F_2^n/F_2^p$ neutron to proton structure function ratio and on the $d/u$ PDF ratio, they suggest an enhanced nuclear effect on the $d$-quark PDF in the bound proton, questioning the assumptions commonly made in nuclear PDF analyses.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Bayesian Monte Carlo extraction of sea asymmetry with SeaQuest and STAR data

We perform a global QCD analysis of unpolarized parton distributions within a Bayesian Monte Carlo framework, including the new $W$-lepton production data from the STAR Collaboration at RHIC and Drell-Yan di-muon data from the SeaQuest experiment at Fermilab. We assess the impact of these two new measurements on the light antiquark sea in the proton, and the $\bar{d}-\bar{u}$ asymmetry in particular. The SeaQuest data are found to significantly reduce the uncertainty on the $\bar{d}/\bar{u}$ ratio at large parton momentum fractions $x$, strongly favoring an enhanced $\bar{d}$ sea up to $x \approx 0.4$, in general agreement with nonperturbative calculations based on chiral symmetry breaking in QCD.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Revisiting quark and gluon polarization in the proton at the EIC

We present a comprehensive impact study of future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) data for parity-conserving and parity-violating polarization asymmetries on quark and gluon helicity distributions in the proton. The study, which is based on the JAM Monte Carlo global QCD analysis framework, explores the role of the extrapolation uncertainty and SU(3) flavor symmetry constraints in the simulated double-spin asymmetry, $A_{LL}$, at small parton momentum fractions $x$ and its effect on the extracted parton polarizations. We find that different assumptions about $A_{LL}$ extrapolations and SU(3) symmetry can have significant consequences for the integrated quark and gluon polarizations, for polarized proton, deuteron and $^3$He beams. For the parity-violating asymmetry, $A_{UL}$, we study the potential impact on the polarized strange quark distribution with different extrapolations of $A_{UL}$, finding the constraining power to be ultimately limited by the EIC machine luminosity.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

Mass sum rules of the electron in quantum electrodynamics

Different decompositions of the nucleon mass, in terms of the masses and energies of the underlying constituents, have been proposed in the literature. We explore the corresponding sum rules in quantum electrodynamics for an electron at one-loop order in perturbation theory. To this end we compute the form factors of the energy-momentum tensor, by paying particular attention to the renormalization of ultraviolet divergences, operator mixing and scheme dependence. We clarify the expressions of all the proposed sum rules in the electron rest frame in terms of renormalized operators. Furthermore, we consider the same sum rules in a moving frame, where they become energy decompositions. Finally, we discuss some implications of our study on the mass sum rules for the nucleon.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

The LHCSpin Project

LHCSpin aims at installing a polarized gas target in front of the LHCb spectrometer, bringing, for the first time, polarized physics to the LHC. The project will benefit from the experience achieved with the installation of an unpolarized gas target at LHCb during the LHC Long Shutdown 2. LHCb will then become the first experiment simultaneously running in collider and fixed-target mode with polarized targets, opening a whole new range of explorations to its exceptional spectrometer. LHCSpin will offer a unique opportunity to probe polarized quark and gluon parton distributions in nucleons and nuclei, especially at high $x$ and intermediate $Q^2$, where experimental data are still largely missing. Beside standard collinear parton distribution functions (PDFs), LHCSpin will make it possible to study multidimensional polarized parton distributions that depend also on parton transverse momentum. The study of the multidimensional partonic structure of the nucleon, particularly including polarization effects, can test our knowledge of QCD at an unprecedented level of sophistication, both in the perturbative and nonperturbative regime. At the same time, an accurate knowledge of hadron structure is necessary for precision measurements of Standard Model (SM) observables and discovery of physics beyond the SM. Due to the intricate nature of the strong interaction, it is indispensable to perform the widest possible suite of experimental measurements. It will be ideal to have two new projects complementing each other: a new facility for polarized electron-proton collisions and a new facility for polarized proton-proton collisions. LHCSpin stands out at the moment as the most promising candidate for the second type of project, going beyond the kinematic coverage and the accuracy of the existent experiments, especially on the heavy-quark sector.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2016

Fragmentation contribution to the transverse single-spin asymmetry in proton-proton collisions

Within the collinear twist-3 framework, we study the single-spin asymmetry (SSA) in collisions between unpolarized protons and transversely polarized protons with focus on the fragmentation term. The fragmentation mechanism must be analyzed in detail in order to unambiguously determine the impact of various contributions to SSAs in hadron production. Such a distinction may also settle the "sign mismatch" between the transverse SSA in proton-proton collisions and the Sivers effect in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering. We calculate terms involving quark-quark and quark-gluon-quark correlators, which is an important step in such an investigation.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2015

Transverse single-spin asymmetries in proton-proton collisions at the AFTER@LHC experiment

We present results for transverse single-spin asymmetries in proton-proton collisions at kinematics relevant for AFTER, a proposed fixed-target experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. These include predictions for pion, jet, and direct photon production from analytical formulas already available in the literature. We also discuss specific measurements that will benefit from the higher luminosity of AFTER, which could help resolve an almost 40-year puzzle of what causes transverse single-spin asymmetries in proton-proton collisions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2015

Single-spin asymmetries in the leptoproduction of transversely polarized $Λ$ hyperons

We analyze single-spin asymmetries (SSAs) in the leptoproduction of transversely polarized $Λ$ hyperons within the collinear twist-3 formalism. We calculate both the distribution and fragmentation terms in two different gauges (lightcone and Feynman) and show that the results are identical. This is the first time that the fragmentation piece has been analyzed for transversely polarized hadron production within the collinear twist-3 framework. In lightcone gauge we use the same techniques that were employed in computing the analogous piece in $p^\uparrow p\to π\,X$, which has become an important part to that reaction. With this in mind, we also verify the gauge invariance of the formulas for the transverse SSA in the leptoproduction of pions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2015

Longitudinal-transverse double-spin asymmetries in single-inclusive leptoproduction of hadrons

We analyze the longitudinal-transverse double-spin asymmetry in lepton-nucleon collisions where a single hadron is detected in the final state, i.e., $\vec{\ell}\,N^\uparrow \rightarrow h\,X$. This is a subleading-twist observable in collinear factorization, and we look at twist-3 effects in both the transversely polarized nucleon and the unpolarized outgoing hadron. Results are anticipated for this asymmetry from both HERMES and Jefferson Lab Hall A, and it could be measured as well at COMPASS and a future Electron-Ion Collider. We also perform a numerical study of the distribution term, which, when compared to upcoming experimental results, could allow one to learn about the "worm-gear"-type function $\tilde{g}(x)$ as well as assess the role of quark-gluon-quark correlations in the initial-state nucleon and twist-3 effects in the fragmenting unpolarized hadron.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2014

Transverse single-spin asymmetries in $p^\uparrow p \to γX$ from quark-gluon-quark correlations in the proton

We analyze the transverse single-spin asymmetry in direct photon production from proton-proton collisions, denoted $A_N^γ$, within collinear twist-3 factorization. We provide a calculation of the contribution due to quark-gluon-quark correlations in the unpolarized proton as well as summarize previous studies on those effects in the polarized proton. Both soft-gluon poles and soft-fermion poles are considered. From this complete result we then estimate $A_N^γ$, including error bands due to uncertainties in the non-perturbative inputs, at kinematics relevant for planned measurements of this observable at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. We find $A_N^γ$ can allow for a "clean" extraction of the Qiu-Sterman function, which could lead to a definitive solution to the so-called "sign mismatch" crisis. Since we use the Sivers function extracted from semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering to develop our input for the Qiu-Sterman function, this reaction can also make a statement about the process dependence of the Sivers function.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2014

Electron Ion Collider: The Next QCD Frontier - Understanding the glue that binds us all

This White Paper presents the science case of an Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), focused on the structure and interactions of gluon-dominated matter, with the intent to articulate it to the broader nuclear science community. It was commissioned by the managements of Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab) with the objective of presenting a summary of scientific opportunities and goals of the EIC as a follow-up to the 2007 NSAC Long Range plan. This document is a culmination of a community-wide effort in nuclear science following a series of workshops on EIC physics and, in particular, the focused ten-week program on "Gluons and quark sea at high energies" at the Institute for Nuclear Theory in Fall 2010. It contains a brief description of a few golden physics measurements along with accelerator and detector concepts required to achieve them, and it benefited from inputs from the users' communities of BNL and JLab. This White Paper offers the promise to propel the QCD science program in the U.S., established with the CEBAF accelerator at JLab and the RHIC collider at BNL, to the next QCD frontier.

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