arXiv subjects

Cédric Mezrag

Publications and source records attributed to Cédric Mezrag.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Pseudoscalar charmonium and bottomonium: light-front wave functions, distribution amplitudes and distribution functions

Light-front wave functions play a central role in the program of understanding the structure of hadrons as QCD bound states. Using continuum Schwinger methods, based on Dyson-Schwinger and Bethe-Salpeter equations, they can be computed directly within a framework connected to QCD. For light pseudoscalar mesons, previous studies revealed an approximate separability of longitudinal and transverse lightcone momentum dependences in the LFWFs, leading to a simple relation between distribution functions and amplitudes. In this work, we extend those previous studies to the case of pseudoscalar charmonium and bottomonium, using the fictitious $π_s$ meson as a benchmark. Motivated by the observed deviations, we propose a modified non-separable LFWF ansatz that successfully reproduces the properties of heavy pseudoscalar quarkonia and allows the calculation of zero-skewness generalised parton distribution functions, electromagnetic and gravitational form factors, and transverse charge and mass distributions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

Reconstructing the full kinematic dependence of GPDs from pseudo-distributions

We propose a reconstruction of the full $(x, ξ, t)$ dependence of unpolarized isovector proton generalized parton distributions (GPDs) $H^{u-d}$ and $E^{u-d}$ from lattice QCD data in the pseudo-distribution formalism. For the first time, we extract double distributions (DDs) directly from lattice data, enforcing therefore an important property of GPDs linked to Lorentz symmetry. We use the flexible framework of multidimensional Gaussian process regression to regularize the inverse problem and present an assessment of the impact of model dependence on the systematic uncertainty. Our lattice ensemble corresponds to a pion mass $m_π= 358$~MeV and a lattice spacing $a = 0.094$~fm. We use larger hadron momenta, up to 2.7~GeV, and kinematic coverage compared to our previous computations and extract additional skewness-dependent moments of the GPD.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2026

Dispersion relations of deeply virtual Compton scattering: investigating twist-4 kinematic power corrections

In this paper we include kinematic power corrections up to twist-four to the deeply virtual Compton scattering dispersion relation. We demonstrate that, both for (pseudo-)scalar and spin-$1/2$ targets, the formal expression of the $n$-subtracted leading-twist dispersion relations is preserved. However, the expression of the subtracted constants is modified by the kinematic powers. Importantly, the minimal-subtracted dispersion relation for the helicity-conserving amplitude, previously thought to depend only on the Polyakov-Weiss $D$-term, now also depends on the double distributions $F$ and $K$. These results are consistent with the ones obtained previously in the literature. Such a mixing may be critical for the Jefferson Lab kinematic range, as it is not suppressed for typical values of $t$ and $Q^{2}$ in the valence region. We therefore expect a strong impact on attempts to extract pressure forces from DVCS data.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

Constraining the Energy Momentum Tensor through DVCS Dispersion Relation beyond Leading Power

In this letter, we analyse and interpret the kinematic power corrections to deeply virtual Compton scattering dispersion relation. We show that the kinematic corrections at twist-4 can be connected to other form factors of the Energy-Momentum Tensor beyond the pressure distribution involved at leading-power, namely the ones related to Momentum and total Angular Momentum distributions. In the nucleon case, these corrections are not negligible at presently accessible virtualities. The DVCS subtraction constant becomes an experimental constraint on momentum distributions, pressure forces distributions, and total angular momentum distributions. Finally, we use continuum and lattice-QCD results to predict the expected size of the DVCS subtraction constant, and conclude that momentum distributions are responsible of roughly one-third of the experimental signal at $Q^2 = 2\textrm{GeV}^2$.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Heavy-quark mass effects in off-light-cone distributions

We compute the one-loop correction to the forward matrix element of an off-light-cone bi-local quark correlator characterised by a space-like separation $z^2$ in the presence of heavy quarks with mass $m$. This calculation allows us to extract the one-loop matching kernel, necessary to connect quasi and pseudo-distributions to collinear parton distribution functions (PDFs), accounting for heavy-quark mass effects. Our result is exact in that it includes all powers of $z^2m^2$ at one loop in $α_s$. In the limit $z^2m^2\rightarrow 0$, it consistently reduces to the known massless result. We also carry out an implementation of our expression, which allows us to compute the charm pseudo-distribution of the proton given its PDF. We finally comment on the quantitative impact of heavy-quark mass corrections.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Backward DVCS in a Sullivan process

Mesons' internal structure and dynamics may be accessed through hard exclusive electroproduction processes such as deeply virtual Compton scattering in both near forward and near backward kinematics. With the help of the Sullivan process which allows us to use a nucleon target as a quasi-real $π$ meson emitter, we study backward scattering in the framework of collinear QCD factorization where pion-to-photon transition distribution amplitudes describe the photon content of the $π$ meson. We present a model of these TDAs based on the overlap of lightfront wave functions primarily developed for generalized parton distributions, using a previously developed pion lightfront wave function and deriving a new model for the lightfront wave functions of the photon. This leads us to an estimate of the cross-sections for JLab energies. We conclude that deeply virtual $ep\rightarrow eγM n$ processes, in backward kinematics, may be experimentally discovered in the near future.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Proton internal pressure from deeply virtual Compton scattering on collider kinematics

The unique experimental connection to the QCD energy-momentum tensor offered by generalised parton distributions has been strongly highlighted in the past few years with attempts to extract the pressure and shear forces distributions within the nucleon. If, in principle, this can be performed in a model independent way from experimental data, in practice, the current limited precision and kinematic coverage make such an extraction very challenging. Moreover, the limitation to a leading-order description in the strong coupling of the data has provided only an indirect and weakly sensitive access to gluon degrees of freedoms, solely through their mixing to quarks via evolution. In this paper we address this issue by pro viding a next-to-leading order formalism allowing a reanalysis of global fits with genuine gluonic degrees of freedom. In addition, we provide an estimate of the reduction in uncertainty that could stem from the extended kinematic range relevant for the future Electron Ion Collider. Finally, we stress the connection between the analysis of the dispersion relation in terms of generalised parton distributions and the deconvolution problem.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Combining lattice QCD and phenomenological inputs on generalised parton distributions at moderate skewness

We present a systematic study demonstrating the impact of lattice QCD data on the extraction of generalised parton distributions (GPDs). For this purpose, we use a previously developed modelling of GPDs based on machine learning techniques fulfilling the theoretical requirements of polynomiality, a form of positivity constraint and known reduction limits. A special care is given to estimate the uncertainty stemming from the ill-posed character of the connection between GPDs and the experimental processes usually considered to constrain them, like deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS). Mock lattice QCD data inputs are included in a Bayesian framework to the prior model which is fitted to reproduce the most experimentally accessible information of a phenomenological model by Goloskov and Kroll. We highlight the impact of the precision, correlation and kinematic coverage of lattice data on GPD extraction at moderate $ξ$ which has only been brushed in the literature so far, paving the way for a joint extraction of GPDs.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Revisiting evolution equations for generalised parton distributions

We revisit the evolution of generalised parton distributions (GPDs) in momentum space. We formulate the evolution kernels at one-loop in perturbative QCD (pQCD) in a form suitable for numerical implementation and that allows for an accurate study of their properties. This leads to the first open-source implementation of GPD evolution equations able to cover the entire kinematic region and allowing for heavy-quark-threshold crossings. The numerical implementation of the GPD evolution equations is publicly accessible through the APFEL++ evolution library and is available within the PARTONS framework. Our formulation makes use of the operator definition of GPDs in light-cone gauge renormalised in the $\overline{\mbox{MS}}$ scheme. For the sake of clarity, we recompute the evolution kernels at one-loop in pQCD, confirming previous calculations. We obtain general conditions on the evolution kernels deriving from the GPD sum rules and show that our formulation obeys these conditions. We analytically show that our calculation reproduces the DGLAP and the ERBL equations in the appropriate limits and that it guarantees the continuity of GPDs. We numerically check that the evolved GPDs fulfil DGLAP and ERBL limits, continuity, and polynomiality. We benchmark our numerical implementation against analytical evolution in conformal space. Finally, we perform a numerical comparison to an existing implementation of GPD evolution finding a general good agreement on the kinematic region accessible to the latter. This work provides a pedagogical description of GPD evolution equations which benefits from a renewed interest as future colliders, such as the electron-ion colliders in the US and in China, are being designed. It also paves the way to the extension of GPD evolution codes to higher accuracies in pQCD desirable for precision phenomenology at these facilities.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

An introductory lecture on Generalised Parton Distributions

These lecture notes on Generalised Parton Distributions aim at providing a general picture of the field on the theoretical and phenomenological sides to master and Ph.D. students. They go along with the lecture given at the Baryon International School of Physics in 2021.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Accessing pion GPDs through the Sullivan process: is it feasible?

Describing hadronic structure is one of the most intriguing problems in physics. In this respect, generalized parton distributions (GPDs) constitute an outstanding tool, allowing to draw "three dimensional pictures" of hadron's inside. Starting from contemporary models for pion's GPDs fulfilling all constraints imposed by QCD, we compute Compton form factors (CFFs) of pions subjected to deeply virtual Compton scattering. We show the behaviour of CFFs to be gluon-dominated at EIC's kinematics. Finally we evaluate lepton-beam-spin asymmetries in the Sullivan process, demonstrating the existence of such and thus triggering optimism about the possibility of probing pion's 3D structure at electron-ion colliders.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Pion GPDs: A path toward phenomenology

We introduce a new family of Generalised Parton Distribution models able to fulfil by construction all the theoretical properties imposed by QCD. These models are built on standard Parton Distribution Functions and extended to off-forward kinematics through a well-defined procedure. We apply this strategy on the pion, first handling a simple but insightful algebraic model, and then exploiting state-of-the-art computations obtained in continuum QCD. We compare these models with a more standard one relying on an xFitter extraction of the pion Parton Distribution Functions. The results for both quark and gluon Generalised Parton Distributions are presented and exploited for calculation of Electromagnetic, Gravitational and Compton Form Factors. Results on the latter highlight the relevance of next-to-leading order corrections, even in the so-called valence region.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Electron-Ion Collider in China

Lepton scattering is an established ideal tool for studying inner structure of small particles such as nucleons as well as nuclei. As a future high energy nuclear physics project, an Electron-ion collider in China (EicC) has been proposed. It will be constructed based on an upgraded heavy-ion accelerator, High Intensity heavy-ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF) which is currently under construction, together with a new electron ring. The proposed collider will provide highly polarized electrons (with a polarization of $\sim$80%) and protons (with a polarization of $\sim$70%) with variable center of mass energies from 15 to 20 GeV and the luminosity of (2-3) $\times$ 10$^{33}$ cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$. Polarized deuterons and Helium-3, as well as unpolarized ion beams from Carbon to Uranium, will be also available at the EicC. The main foci of the EicC will be precision measurements of the structure of the nucleon in the sea quark region, including 3D tomography of nucleon; the partonic structure of nuclei and the parton interaction with the nuclear environment; the exotic states, especially those with heavy flavor quark contents. In addition, issues fundamental to understanding the origin of mass could be addressed by measurements of heavy quarkonia near-threshold production at the EicC. In order to achieve the above-mentioned physics goals, a hermetical detector system will be constructed with cutting-edge technologies. This document is the result of collective contributions and valuable inputs from experts across the globe. The EicC physics program complements the ongoing scientific programs at the Jefferson Laboratory and the future EIC project in the United States. The success of this project will also advance both nuclear and particle physics as well as accelerator and detector technology in China.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2021

Fermion and Photon gap-equations in Minkowski space within the Nakanishi Integral Representation method

The approach based on the Nakanishi integral representation of n-leg transition amplitudes is extended to the treatment of the self-energies of a fermion and an (IR-regulated) vector boson, in order to pave the way for constructing a comprehensive application of the technique to both gap- and Bethe-Salpeter equations, in Minkowski space. The achieved result, namely a 6-channel coupled system of integral equations, eventually allows one to determine the three Källén-Lehman weights for fully dressing the propagators of fermion and photon. A first consistency check is also provided. The presented formal elaboration points to embed the characteristics of the non-perturbative regime at a more fundamental level. It yields a viable tool in Minkowski space for the phenomenological investigation of strongly interacting theories, within a QFT framework where the dynamical ingredients are made transparent and under control.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

Parton distributions and lattice QCD calculations: toward 3D structure

The strong force which binds hadrons is described by the theory of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD). Determining the character and manifestations of QCD is one of the most important and challenging outstanding issues necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the structure of hadrons. Within the context of the QCD parton picture, the Parton Distribution Functions (PDFs) have been remarkably successful in describing a wide variety of processes. However, these PDFs have generally been confined to the description of collinear partons within the hadron. New experiments and facilities provide the opportunity to additionally explore the transverse structure of hadrons which is described by Generalized Parton Distributions (GPDs) and Transverse Momentum Dependent Parton Distribution Functions (TMD PDFs). In our previous review, we compared and contrasted the two main approaches used to determine the collinear PDFs: the first based on perturbative QCD factorization theorems, and the second based on lattice QCD calculations. In the present report, we provide an update of recent progress on the collinear PDFs, and also expand the scope to encompass the generalized PDFs (GPDs and TMD PDFs). We review the current state of the various calculations, and consider what new data might be available in the near future. We also examine how a shared effort can foster dialog between the PDF and Lattice QCD communities, and yield improvements for these generalized PDFs.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

Basic properties of GPDs and modelling of the latter

We present here a new method based on the Radon transform to model Generalised Parton Distributions (GPDs). It allows to fulfil all theoretical constraints applying on GPDs, especially polynomiality and positivity at the same time. More specifically, we show how polynomiality can be systematically restored within the framework of the overlaps of Lightfront Wave Functions (LFWFs). It provides a systematic way to extend models defined solely in the DGLAP kinematical region to the ERBL one. We then exemplify our approach using LFWFs models.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

Effective charge from lattice QCD

Using lattice configurations for quantum chromodynamics (QCD) generated with three domain-wall fermions at a physical pion mass, we obtain a parameter-free prediction of QCD's renormalisation-group-invariant process-independent effective charge, $\hatα(k^2)$. Owing to the dynamical breaking of scale invariance, evident in the emergence of a gluon mass-scale, this coupling saturates at infrared momenta: $\hatα(0)/π=0.97(4)$. Amongst other things: $\hatα(k^2)$ is almost identical to the process-dependent (PD) effective charge defined via the Bjorken sum rule; and also that PD charge which, employed in the one-loop evolution equations, delivers agreement between pion parton distribution functions computed at the hadronic scale and experiment. The diversity of unifying roles played by $\hatα(k^2)$ suggests that it is a strong candidate for that object which represents the interaction strength in QCD at any given momentum scale; and its properties support a conclusion that QCD is a mathematically well-defined quantum field theory in four dimensions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

Pion and Kaon Structure at the Electron-Ion Collider

Understanding the origin and dynamics of hadron structure and in turn that of atomic nuclei is a central goal of nuclear physics. This challenge entails the questions of how does the roughly 1 GeV mass-scale that characterizes atomic nuclei appear; why does it have the observed value; and, enigmatically, why are the composite Nambu-Goldstone (NG) bosons in quantum chromodynamics (QCD) abnormally light in comparison? In this perspective, we provide an analysis of the mass budget of the pion and proton in QCD; discuss the special role of the kaon, which lies near the boundary between dominance of strong and Higgs mass-generation mechanisms; and explain the need for a coherent effort in QCD phenomenology and continuum calculations, in exa-scale computing as provided by lattice QCD, and in experiments to make progress in understanding the origins of hadron masses and the distribution of that mass within them. We compare the unique capabilities foreseen at the electron-ion collider (EIC) with those at the hadron-electron ring accelerator (HERA), the only previous electron-proton collider; and describe five key experimental measurements, enabled by the EIC and aimed at delivering fundamental insights that will generate concrete answers to the questions of how mass and structure arise in the pion and kaon, the Standard Model's NG modes, whose surprisingly low mass is critical to the evolution of our Universe.

nucl-ex↗