arXiv subjects

Felix Hekhorn

Publications and source records attributed to Felix Hekhorn.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2024

On the positivity of MSbar distributions

We discuss the positivity of parton distribution functions using the common $\overline{MS}$ factorization scheme. We find that in the perturbative regime $\overline{MS}$ PDFs inherit the strict positivity of physical PDFs. We explicitly discuss the scheme transformation by using suitable physical observables and find that $\overline{MS}$ PDFs are positive above the scale $Q^2$ > 5 GeV^2. Finally, we comment on the direct counterpart of longitudinally polarized PDFs, finding agreement with the unpolarized counterpart.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

The intrinsic charm quark valence distribution of the proton

We provide a first quantitative indication that the wave function of the proton contains unequal distributions of charm quarks and antiquarks, i.e. a nonvanishing intrinsic valence charm distribution. A significant nonvanishing valence component cannot be perturbatively generated, hence our results reinforce previous evidence that the proton contains an intrinsic (i.e., not radiatively generated) charm quark component. We establish our result through a determination of the parton distribution functions (PDFs) of charm quarks and antiquarks in the proton. We propose two novel experimental probes of this intrinsic charm valence component: D-meson asymmetries in Z+c-jet production at the LHCb experiment, and flavor-tagged structure functions at the Electron-Ion Collider.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Heavy Quarks in Polarised Deep-Inelastic Scattering at the Electron-Ion Collider

We extend the FONLL general-mass variable-flavour-number scheme to the case of longitudinally polarised DIS structure functions, accounting for perturbative corrections up to $\mathcal{O}(α_s^2)$. We quantify the impact of charm quark mass and higher-order perturbative corrections on projected measurements of inclusive and charm-tagged longitudinal asymmetries at the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) and at the Electron-ion collider in China (EicC). We demonstrate how the inclusion of these corrections is essential to compute predictions with an accuracy that matches the projected precision of the measurements. The computation is made publicly available through the open-source EKO and YADISM programs

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Pineline: Industrialization of High-Energy Theory Predictions

We present a collection of tools automating the efficient computation of large sets of theory predictions for high-energy physics. Calculating predictions for different processes often require dedicated programs. These programs, however, accept inputs and produce outputs that are usually very different from each other. The industrialization of theory predictions is achieved by a framework which harmonizes inputs (runcard, parameter settings), standardizes outputs (in the form of grids), produces reusable intermediate objects, and carefully tracks all meta data required to reproduce the computation. Parameter searches and fitting of non-perturbative objects are exemplary use cases that require a full or partial re-computation of theory predictions and will thus benefit of such a toolset. As an example application we present a study of the impact of replacing NNLO QCD K-factors in a PDF fit with the exact NNLO predictions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Probing gluon distributions with $D^0$ production at the EicC

The Electron-Ion Collider in China (EicC) has been proposed to study the inner structure of matter and fundamental laws of strong interactions. In this paper, we will present a conceptual design of the tracking system based on the state-of-art silicon detector and Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detector at the EicC and demonstrate that it will enable us to reconstruct charm hadron with good significance, hence study gluonic parton distribution functions in nucleons and nuclei, as well as gluon helicity distributions. The impact study using reweighting techniques shows that the impact of the EicC will be mainly in the large $x$ region. It complements similar physics programs at the Electron-Ion Collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2023

DGLAP evolution of parton distributions at approximate N$^3$LO

We present recent progress towards a global determination of parton distribution functions (PDFs) at approximate N$^3$LO (aN$^3$LO) accuracy within the NNPDF framework. We construct a parametrisation of the $\mathcal{O}(α_s^4)$ QCD splitting functions and anomalous dimensions reproducing all known exact results, estimate the associated missing and incomplete higher order uncertainties (MHOU and IHOU, respectively), and implement it in the open-source DGLAP code EKO enabling PDFs to be evolved at aN$^3$LO accuracy in the NNPDF fitting framework. We compare aN$^3$LO calculation of splitting functions with the results of lower perturbative orders and quantify the impact of the various sources of theoretical uncertainties.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Theory prediction in PDF fitting

Continuously comparing theory predictions to experimental data is a common task in analysis of particle physics such as fitting parton distribution functions (PDFs). However, typically, both the computation of scattering amplitudes and the evolution of candidate PDFs from the fitting scale to the process scale are non-trivial, computing intesive tasks. We develop a new stack of software tools that aim to facilitate the theory predictions by computing FastKernel (FK) tables that reduce the theory computation to a linear algebra operation. Specifically, I present PineAPPL, our workhorse for grid operations, EKO, a new DGLAP solver, and yadism, a new DIS library. Alongside, I review several projects that become available with the new tools.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Parton Distributions and New Physics Searches: the Drell-Yan Forward-Backward Asymmetry as a Case Study

We discuss the sensitivity of theoretical predictions of observables used in searches for new physics to parton distributions (PDFs) at large momentum fraction $x$. Specifically, we consider the neutral-current Drell-Yan production of gauge bosons with invariant masses in the TeV range, for which the forward-backward asymmetry of charged leptons from the decay of the gauge boson in its rest frame is a traditional probe of new physics. We show that the qualitative behaviour of the asymmetry depends strongly on the assumptions made in determining the underlying PDFs. We discuss and compare the large-$x$ behaviour of various different PDF sets, and find that they differ significantly. Consequently, the shape of the asymmetry observed at lower dilepton invariant masses, where all PDF sets are in reasonable agreement because of the presence of experimental constraints, is not necessarily reproduced at large masses where the PDFs are mostly unconstrained by data. It follows that the shape of the asymmetry at high masses may depend on assumptions made in the PDF parametrization, and thus deviations from the traditionally expected behaviour cannot be taken as a reliable indication of new physics. We demonstrate that forward-backward asymmetry measurements could help in constraining PDFs at large $x$ and discuss the accuracy that would be required to disentangle the effects of new physics from uncertainties in the PDFs in this region.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Theory pipeline for PDF fitting

Fitting PDFs requires the integration of a broad range of datasets, both from data and theory side, into a unique framework. While for data the integration mainly consists in the standardization of the data format, for the theory predictions there are multiple ingredients involved. Different providers are developed by separate groups for different processes, with a variety of inputs (runcards) and outputs (interpolation grids). Moreover, since processes are measured at different scales, DGLAP evolution has to be provided for the PDF candidate, or precomputed into the grids. We are working towards the automation of all these steps in a unique framework, that will be useful for any PDF fitting groups, and possibly also for phenomenological studies.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Evidence for intrinsic charm quarks in the proton

The theory of the strong force, quantum chromodynamics, describes the proton in terms of quarks and gluons. The proton is a state of two up quarks and one down quark bound by gluons, but quantum theory predicts that in addition there is an infinite number of quark-antiquark pairs. Both light and heavy quarks, whose mass is respectively smaller or bigger than the mass of the proton, are revealed inside the proton in high-energy collisions. However, it is unclear whether heavy quarks also exist as a part of the proton wavefunction, which is determined by non-perturbative dynamics and accordingly unknown: so-called intrinsic heavy quarks. It has been argued for a long time that the proton could have a sizable intrinsic component of the lightest heavy quark, the charm quark. Innumerable efforts to establish intrinsic charm in the proton have remained inconclusive. Here we provide evidence for intrinsic charm by exploiting a high-precision determination of the quark-gluon content of the nucleon based on machine learning and a large experimental dataset. We disentangle the intrinsic charm component from charm-anticharm pairs arising from high-energy radiation. We establish the existence of intrinsic charm at the 3-standard-deviation level, with a momentum distribution in remarkable agreement with model predictions. We confirm these findings by comparing to very recent data on Z-boson production with charm jets from the LHCb experiment.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

EKO: Evolution Kernel Operators

We present a new QCD evolution library for unpolarized parton distribution functions: EKO. The program solves DGLAP equations up to next-to-next-to-leading order. The unique feature of EKO is the computation of solution operators, which are independent of the boundary condition, can be stored and quickly applied to evolve several initial PDFs. The EKO approach combines the power of $N$-space solutions with the flexibility of a $x$-space delivery, that allows for an easy interface with existing codes. The code is fully open source and written in Python, with a modular structure in order to facilitate usage, readability and possible extensions. We provide a set of benchmarks with similar available tools, finding good agreement.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Probing gluon helicity with heavy flavor at the EIC

We propose a new measurement of the heavy flavor hadron double spin asymmetry in deep-inelastic scattering at a future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) to constrain the polarized gluon distribution function inside the proton. Statistical projection on $D^0$ meson double spin asymmetry is calculated with an EIC central detector using an all-silicon tracker and vertexing subsystem. A first impact study was done by interpreting pseudo-data at next-to-leading order in QCD. The sensitivity of the experimental observable in constraining gluon helicity distribution in a wide range of parton momentum fraction $x$ has been investigated considering different beam energy configurations. This measurement complements the inclusive spin-dependent structure function measurement and provides an opportunity to constrain the gluon helicity distribution in the moderate $x$ region.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2021

Can $\overline{MS}$ parton distributions be negative?

We review our recent paper, where we proved Parton distributions functions (PDFs) to be positive at NLO in the $\overline{MS}$ factorization scheme. We present some additional material that was useful in completing the steps for the actual proof, but we won't attempt to report on the full proof, but referring the reader to the paper itself.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Differential Heavy Quark Distributions and Correlations in Longitudinally Polarized Deep-Inelastic Scattering

We present a first calculation of the heavy flavor contribution to the longitudinally polarized deep-inelastic scattering structure function $g_1^{Q}$, differential in the transverse momentum or the rapidity of the observed heavy quark $Q$ or antiquark $\overline Q$. All results are obtained at next-to-leading order accuracy in QCD within the framework of a newly developed parton-level Monte Carlo generator that also allows one to study observables associated with the produced heavy quark pair such as its invariant mass distribution or its correlation in azimuthal angle. First phenomenological studies are carried out for various heavy quark distributions in a kinematic regime relevant for a future Electron-Ion Collider with a particular emphasis on the expected size of the corresponding double-spin asymmetries and their sensitivity to the still poorly constrained helicity gluon distribution. Theoretical uncertainties associated with the choice of the factorization scale are discussed for selected observables.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Next-to-Leading Order QCD Corrections to Inclusive Heavy-Flavor Production in Polarized Deep-Inelastic Scattering

We provide a first calculation of the complete next-to-leading order QCD corrections for heavy flavor contributions to the inclusive structure function $g_1$ in longitudinally polarized deep-inelastic scattering. The results are derived with largely analytical methods and retain the full dependence on the heavy quark's mass. We discuss all relevant technical details of the calculation and present numerical results for the heavy quark scaling functions. We perform important crosschecks to verify our results in the known limit of photoproduction and for the unpolarized electroproduction of heavy quarks. We also compare our calculations to the available, partial results in the polarized case, in particular, in the limit of asymptotically large photon virtualities, and analyze the behavior of the scaling functions near threshold. First steps towards phenomenological applications are taken by providing some estimates for inclusive charm production in polarized deep-inelastic scattering at a future electron-ion collider and studying their sensitivity to the polarized gluon distribution. The residual dependence of heavy quark electroproduction on unphysical factorization and renormalization scales and on the heavy quark mass is investigated.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

Can $\overline{\rm { MS}}$ parton distributions be negative?

It is common lore that Parton Distribution Functions (PDFs) in the $\overline{\rm { MS}}$ factorization scheme can become negative beyond leading order due to the collinear subtraction which is needed in order to define partonic cross sections. We show that this is in fact not the case and next-to-leading order (NLO) $\overline{\rm { MS}}$ PDFs are actually positive in the perturbative regime. In order to prove this, we modify the subtraction prescription, and perform the collinear subtraction in such a way that partonic cross sections remain positive. This defines a factorization scheme in which PDFs are positive. We then show that positivity of the PDFs is preserved when transforming from this scheme to $\overline{\rm { MS}}$, provided only the strong coupling is in the perturbative regime, such that the NLO scheme change is smaller than the LO term.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

Next-to-Leading Order QCD Corrections to Heavy-Flavour Production in Neutral Current DIS

The calculations for the production of heavy quarks in deeply inelastic scattering (DIS) can be seen as an illustrative example in the framework of perturbative Quantum Chromo Dynamics (pQCD). In this thesis, I give an overview of all steps that are required for this computation. First, I give an introduction to the fundamental theoretical basics. Next, I present the calculation of the matrix elements which are a main part of the work. The next-to-leading order (NLO) pQCD corrections for polarized DIS have been obtained here for the first time. Then, I discuss two different phase space decompositions which provide another important ingredient to the performed study. Practical results of the computations are shown first on a partonic level and, next, I present some phenomenological applications on a hadronic level. These results shed a first light onto the physical opportunities at a future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC).

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

NLO Corrections to Heavy Flavour Distributions in Polarized Deep-Inelastic Scattering

We present a first calculation of the heavy flavor contribution to the longitudinally polarized DIS structure function $g_1$, differential in the transverse momentum or the rapidity of the observed heavy antiquark $\overline{Q}$. All results are obtained at next-to-leading order accuracy with a newly developed parton-level Monte Carlo generator that also allows one to study observables associated with the heavy quark pair such as its invariant mass distribution or its correlation in azimuthal angle. First phenomenological studies are presented in a kinematic regime relevant for a future Electron-Ion Collider with a particular emphasis on the sensitivity to the helicity gluon distribution. Finally, we also provide first NLO results for the full neutral-current sector of polarized DIS, i.e., including contributions from Z-boson exchange.

hep-ph↗