arXiv subjects

Felipe G. Ortega-Gama

Publications and source records attributed to Felipe G. Ortega-Gama.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

First Two-Hadron Form Factor from QCD

We present the first QCD determination of an energy-dependent form factor for a two-hadron scattering state. In particular, we calculate the QCD contribution to the forward electromagnetic $π^+π^+ + γ\toπ^+π^+$ amplitude at $m_π\approx 400$~MeV using lattice QCD. Because lattice calculations are performed in a finite Euclidean spacetime, where asymptotic scattering states are absent, this amplitude cannot be accessed directly from correlation functions. Instead, we can constrain this and related amplitudes nonperturbatively using a finite-volume formalism that requires two ingredients: the discrete finite-volume spectrum and finite-volume matrix elements of the electromagnetic current. We calculate three-point correlation functions coupling $π^+π^+$ finite-volume states and extract the corresponding electromagnetic matrix elements. Combining these results with the previously determined spectrum, we constrain the infinite-volume $π^+π^+ + γ\toπ^+π^+$ amplitude in the forward limit. Using constraints from Lorentz symmetry, unitarity, and analyticity, we describe this amplitude in terms of a single real-valued energy-dependent two-hadron form factor. The resulting amplitude and form factor agree with the Ward-Takahashi identity across all energies and moving frames considered, providing the first QCD validation of this finite-volume approach and a pathway toward first-principles studies of the electromagnetic structure and electroweak responses of resonances and multi-hadron bound states.

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arXiv2026

Analytic decomposition of two-body electroweak processes with left-hand cuts

We derive an on-shell representation for electroweak $2+J\to2$ transition amplitudes involving two hadrons in both the initial and final state for systems where there are left-hand singularities generated by light-particle exchange, e.g. one-pion exchange. The derivation treats the insertion of the electroweak current perturbatively, keeping only the leading-order contribution in the external field, while the hadronic interactions are treated to all orders, including one-particle exchange effects. We find that, in such processes, the amplitude can have logarithmic singularities, as well as one-particle pole singularities, due to these exchanges. We isolate those contributions, as well as previously identified triangle singularities. The result is expressed in terms of the purely hadronic amplitude, exchange-current kernels, triangle functions, and a class of short-distance transition functions that are real and smooth below unaccounted-for thresholds. While we consider only transitions with spinless particles, this work is an important step toward constraining form factors of systems involving nucleons or vector mesons in the heavy quark sector, where the one-pion-exchange singularity is quite close to threshold.

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arXiv2026

Resolving the structure of bound states using lattice quantum field theories

This work presents the first lattice calculation of a two-to-two particle matrix element of a local current. This exploratory calculation is performed using a leading-order pionless effective field theory of two nucleons in a finite 3D spatial volume, where the Hamiltonian can be diagonalized exactly for moderate volumes. By considering a range of couplings where the theory supports a deuteron-like bound state, we determine the finite-volume spectra and matrix elements of the conserved local vector current. Using the Lüscher formalism, we constrain the infinite-volume, purely hadronic amplitude for this theory. Using previously derived formalism, we then map the finite-volume matrix elements to scattering amplitudes describing a reaction coupling two-particle states via a current insertion, $\2+\Jc \to \2$. We then use a recently derived relation between this class of amplitudes and the bound-state elastic form factor to directly constrain the infinite-volume form factor. By varying over a range of values of the coupling of the theory, we explore the effects of this analysis for deep-bound states and shallow-bound states. We reproduce the expected result that for deep bound states, the finite-volume formalism is largely unnecessary, while for shallow bound states, it is absolutely critical to obtain a sensible result. We present a detailed outline of the analysis of this class of matrix elements, including the determination of the charge radius of the bound state. In the shallow bound state limit, we find good agreement with the prediction stemming from the anomalous threshold.

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arXiv2022

Two-current transition amplitudes with two-body final states

We derive the on-shell form of amplitudes containing two external currents with a single hadron in the initial state and two hadrons in the final state, denoted as $1+\mathcal{J}\to 2+\mathcal{J}$. This class of amplitude is relevant in precision tests of the Standard Model as well as for exploring the structure of excited states in the QCD spectrum. We present a model-independent description of the amplitudes where we sum to all orders in the strong interaction. From this analytic form we are able to extract transition and elastic resonance form factors consistent with previous work as well as a novel Compton-like amplitude coupling a single particle state to a resonance. The results also hold for reactions where the one-particle state is replaced with the vacuum, namely $\mathcal{J}\to 2+\mathcal{J}$ amplitudes. We also investigate constraints placed upon the formalism for the case of a conserved vector current in the form of the Ward-Takahashi identity. The formalism presented here is valid for currents of arbitrary Lorentz structure and quantum numbers with spinless hadrons where any number of two-particle intermediate channels may be open. When combined with the appropriate finite-volume framework, this work facilitates the extraction of physical observables from this class of amplitudes via lattice QCD calculations.

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arXiv2020

On-shell representations of two-body transition amplitudes: single external current

This work explores scattering amplitudes that couple two-particle systems via a single external current insertion, $2+\mathcal{J}\to 2$. Such amplitudes can provide structural information about the excited QCD spectrum. We derive an exact analytic representation for these reactions. From these amplitudes, we show how to rigorously define resonance and bound-state form-factors. Furthermore, we explore the consequences of the narrow-width limit of the amplitudes as well as the role of the Ward-Takahashi identity for conserved vector currents. These results hold for any number of two-body channels with no intrinsic spin, and a current with arbitrary Lorentz structure and quantum numbers. This work and the existing finite-volume formalism provide a complete framework for determining this class of amplitudes from lattice QCD.

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arXiv2018

Form factors of two-hadron states from a covariant finite-volume formalism

In this work we develop a Lorentz-covariant version of the previously derived formalism for relating finite-volume matrix elements to $\textbf 2 + \mathcal J \to \textbf 2$ transition amplitudes. We also give various details relevant for the implementation of this formalism in a realistic numerical lattice QCD calculation. Particular focus is given to the role of single-particle form factors in disentangling finite-volume effects from the triangle diagram that arise when $\mathcal J$ couples to one of the two hadrons. This also leads to a new finite-volume function, denoted $G$, the numerical evaluation of which is described in detail. As an example we discuss the determination of the $ππ+ \mathcal J \to ππ$ amplitude in the $ρ$ channel, for which the single-pion form factor, $F_π(Q^2)$, as well as the scattering phase, $δ_{ππ}$, are required to remove all power-law finite-volume effects. The formalism presented here holds for local currents with arbitrary Lorentz structure, and we give specific examples of insertions with up to two Lorentz indices.

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arXiv2018

Finite-volume matrix elements of two-body states

In this talk, we present a framework for studying structural information of resonances and bound states coupling to two-hadron scattering states. This makes use of a recently proposed finite-volume formalism to determine a class of observables that are experimentally inaccessible but can be accessed via lattice QCD. In particular, we shown that finite-volume two-body matrix elements with one current insertion can be directly related to scattering amplitudes coupling to the external current. For two-hadron systems with resonances or bound states, one can extract the corresponding form factors of these from the energy-dependence of the amplitudes.

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