arXiv subjects

G. Ramalho

Publications and source records attributed to G. Ramalho.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Local-nuclear-density dependent calculation of nucleon electromagnetic form factor ratios in finite nuclei

We calculate the electromagnetic form factors of nucleons bound in finite nuclei and make predictions to the ratio between the electric ($G_E^*$) and magnetic ($G_M^*$) form factors in terms of the square of the four-momentum transfer $Q^2$. We extend our previous constant-density calculations within the covariant spectator-QMC framework by incorporating the spatial nuclear density profiles of finite nuclei and quantify the deviations from the average-density approximation used in our previous applications. The impact of the medium effects can then be observed considering the ratio between $G_E^*/G_M^*$ and the ratio in free space $G_E/G_M$, that define the proton electromagnetic double ratio associated with a given nucleus. The double ratio is expected to remove some systematic uncertainties. There is the expectation that ratios $G_E^*/G_M^*$ associated with the bound protons inside the nucleus will be measured in the near future in polarization-transfer experiments $(\vec{e} A, e'\! A' \vec{p})$. Anticipating future measurements on the subject, we make predictions for the double ratios, to be compared with the average measurements on the energy states of protons bound to nuclei. We consider the nuclei $^{12}$C, $^{16}$O and $^{40}$Ca. We conclude that the form factors calculated using nuclear density profile function $\rho(r)$ are less suppressed than in the case of the results calculated using the average nuclear density. The results indicate that the relative importance of the low-density surface region increases with $Q^2$, leading to a weaker suppression than that predicted by the average-density approximation. We also make predictions for the ratios associated with neutrons bound to nuclei.

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arXiv2026

Octet baryon electroweak form factors in dense nuclear matter

Motivated by the necessity of developing theoretical models for studying the electroweak structure of baryons in a nuclear medium, we apply a covariant quark model to study interactions of baryons with nuclear matter. The electromagnetic and axial form factors of the octet baryons are determined by combining a covariant quark model that takes into account the meson cloud dressing of the baryon cores, developed for free space, with the quark-meson coupling model in the extension to the nuclear medium. We discuss the medium modifications on the electroweak form factors of octet baryons for the range of densities from $\rho=0$ up to $\rho=2 \rho_0$, where $\rho_0= 0.15$ fm$^{-3}$ is the normal nuclear matter density. We also study how the shape of the form factors is modified in finite nuclei due to the profile of the nuclear density distributions compared with calculations using the average density of the nucleus

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arXiv2026

Electric and magnetic timelike form factors of hyperons at large transfer momentum

There has been considerable progress in the study of the electromagnetic form factors of baryons in the timelike region, through electron-positron scattering reactions ($e^+ e^- \to B \bar B$), in the last two decades. Timelike experiments reveal information about the distribution of charge and magnetism inside the hyperons that cannot be obtained in spacelike experiments (electron scattering on baryons). Motivated by the novel data, we extend to the timelike region, without any further parameter fitting, a covariant quark model developed for the spacelike region that takes into account the meson cloud excitations of the baryon cores. We use the formalism to calculate the electric ($G_E$) and magnetic ($G_M$) form factors of spin 1/2 baryons in the large square transfer momentum $q^2$ region. Our calculations are compared with the available data from CLEO and BESIII above $q^2=10$ GeV$^2$. We conclude that our predictions for the effective form factors (combination between $G_E$ and $G_M$) are in good agreement with the $q^2 > 15$ GeV$^2$ data for $\Lambda$, $\Sigma^+$, $\Sigma^0$, $\Xi^-$ and $\Xi^0$. Upcoming data for $\Sigma^-$ can be used to further test our predictions. We also compare our model calculations with the available data for ratio $|G_E/G_M|$. We conclude that the present $q^2$ data range is not large enough to test our calculations, but that a more definitive test can be performed by upcoming data above $q^2=20$ GeV$^2$.

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arXiv2025

Nucleon to Roper transition amplitudes and electromagnetic form factors

The second excitation of the nucleon, the Roper, has properties differentiated from other low-lying nucleon resonances. Their properties challenge our understanding of the structure of the baryons in terms of the degrees of freedom from QCD. In the present work we discuss the properties of the Roper resonance and the nucleon to Roper electromagnetic transition, based on the quark degrees of freedom, that are expected to dominate for large square momentum transfer $Q^2$. We also discuss the analytic structure of the transition amplitudes in the low-$Q^2$ region, and how the contributions of baryon-meson states can help to describe the low and intermediate $Q^2$ data, and the nature of the Roper.

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arXiv2025

Timelike electromagnetic form factors of hyperons at large $q^2$

In the last few years there has been considerable progress in the study of the electromagnetic form factors of baryons in the timelike region, through electron-positron scattering, with increasing squared transfer momentum $q^2$. The modulus of the electric ($G_E$) and magnetic ($G_M$) form factors has been measured for nucleons, hyperons and other baryons at BaBar, CLEO, Belle and BESIII. The novel measurements motivated the extension of a covariant quark model, developed to the spacelike region ($q^2 \le 0$), to the timelike region, without any further parameter fitting. The extension is based on asymptotic relations derived from analyticity and unitarity, valid for the large-$q^2$ region. We use the model to make predictions for the effective form factor $|G|$ (combination of $G_E$ and $G_M$) and the ratio $|G_E/G_M|$ for spin 1/2 hyperons at large $q^2$ (above 10 GeV$^2$). Our calculations are in good agreement with the data from CLEO and BESIII for $\Lambda$, $\Sigma^+$ and $\Xi^-$ above $q^2=15$ GeV$^2$. Upcoming data for $\Sigma^0$, $\Sigma^-$ and $\Xi^-$ at large $q^2$ may be used to further test our predictions. We also compare our model calculations with the scarce available data for $|G_E/G_M|$. We conclude that the present $q^2$ range is not large enough to test our calculations, but that a more definitive test can be made by experiments above $q^2=20$ GeV$^2$.

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arXiv2025

Manifestation of quark effects in nuclei via bremsstrahlung analysis in the proton-nucleus scattering

\textbf{Background} (1) The incoherent emission of photons is dominant comparing to coherent one in proton-nucleus scattering. The incoherent bremsstrahlung is very sensitive to the magnetic moments of nucleons in nuclei. (2) According to the quark-meson coupling (QMC) model, the nucleon magnetic moments in nuclei are enhanced relative to those in vacuum, originating from the quark structure of nucleons. \textbf{Purpose} Investigate possibilities of observing quark effects in nuclei by the analysis of bremsstrahlung in nuclear reactions. \textbf{Methods} Analyse the bremsstrahlung cross sections with established model in proton-nucleus scattering, by extending with inclusion of in-medium modified nucleon magnetic moments in nuclei by the QMC model. \textbf{Results} (1) After calibrating the model without the quark effects for experimental data (TAPS Collaboration data for $p + \isotope[197]{Au}$), we calculate the cross sections and observe the slight difference between the spectra for models with and without quark effects. Such result is found for the first time, confirming possibilities of observing the quark effects in the spectra of bremsstrahlung. (2) As found, quark effects are not enough to be observed in middle and heavy nuclei, as they have dominant incoherent contributions. (3) \isotope[18]{C} has minimal incoherent contribution concerning other carbon isotopes, where the quark effects should be minimal. In ratios between the spectra for \isotope[18]{C} and \isotope[12]{C} with and without the quark effects the difference is clearly observed. \textbf{Conclusions} We establish the new physical observable for the quark effects in nuclei in the bremsstrahlung accompanied in the nuclear reactions, which can be measured. The present suggestion is for the first time in both theoretically and experimentally to study the quark effects in nuclei via the bremsstrahlung.

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arXiv2025

Electroweak form factors of baryons in dense nuclear matter

There is evidence that the properties of hadrons are modified in a nuclear medium. Information about the medium modifications of the internal structure of hadrons is fundamental for the study of dense nuclear matter and high-energy processes, including heavy-ion and nucleus--nucleus collisions. At the moment, however, empirical information about medium modifications of hadrons is limited; therefore, theoretical studies are essential for progress in the field. In the present work, we review theoretical studies of the electromagnetic and axial form factors of octet baryons in symmetric nuclear matter. The calculations are based on a model that takes into account the degrees of freedom revealed in experimental studies of low and intermediate square transfer momentum $q^2=-Q^2$: valence quarks and meson cloud excitations of baryon cores. The formalism combines a covariant constituent quark model, developed for a free space (vacuum) with the quark--meson coupling model for extension to the nuclear medium. We conclude that the nuclear medium modifies the baryon properties differently according to the flavor content of the baryons and the medium density. The effects of the medium increase with density and are stronger (quenched or enhanced) for light baryons than for heavy baryons. In particular, the in-medium neutrino--nucleon and antineutrino--nucleon cross-sections are reduced compared to the values in free space. The proposed formalism can be extended to densities above the normal nuclear density and applied to neutrino--hyperon and antineutrino--hyperon scattering in dense nuclear matter.

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arXiv2025

Weak interaction axial form factors of the octet baryons in nuclear medium

We study the axial-vector and the induced pseudoscalar form factors associated with the weak transitions between the octet baryon members in nuclear medium, using a covariant constituent quark model. We extend previous calculations of the axial transition form factors from the vacuum (free space) to the nuclear medium (symmetric nuclear matter). The extension of the model to the nuclear medium takes into account the modifications of the properties of hadrons in the medium (masses and coupling constants), as determined by the quark-meson coupling model. The axial-vector ($G_A$) and the induced pseudoscalar ($G_P$) form factors are evaluated for different values of the nuclear density $ρ$ in terms of the square transfer momentum $q^2= -Q^2$. We conclude that, in general, the $G_A$ and $G_P$ form factors are reduced in the nuclear medium. The reduction is stronger for light baryons and high densities. The medium modifications are milder for the heavier octet baryons, particularly at large $Q^2$. The calculations presented here can be used to estimate the cross sections of neutrino and antineutrino scattering with nucleus, and neutrino and antineutrino scattering with hyperons bound to a nucleus, as well as those in the cores of compact stars.

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arXiv2024

Electromagnetic $|G_E/G_M|$ ratios of hyperons at large timelike $q^2$

In recent years, it has become possible to measure not only the magnitude of the electric ($G_E$) and magnetic ($G_M$) form factors of spin $\frac{1}{2}$ baryons, but also to measure the relative phases of those quantities in the timelike kinematic region. Aiming to interpret present $|G_E/G_M|$ data on hyperons of the baryon octet, as well as to predict future data, we present model calculations of that ratio for large invariant 4-momentum square $q^2$ in the timelike region ($q^2>0$). Without any further parameter fitting,we extend to the timelike region a covariant quark model previously developed to describe the kinematic spacelike region ($q^2 \le 0$) of the baryon octet form factors. The model takes into account both the effects of valence quarks and the excitations of the meson cloud which dresses the baryons. This application to the timelike region assumes an approximation based on unitarity and analyticity that is valid only in the large $q^2$ region. Using the recent data from BESIII we establish the regime of validity of this approximation. We report here that our results for the effective form factor (combination of $|G_E|$ and $|G_M|$) are in good agreement with the data already for $q^2$ values above 15 GeV$^2$. In addition, a more conservative onset of the validity of the approximation is provided by the newly available $|G_E/G_M|$ data which suggest that our predictions may be compared against data for $q^2 \ge $ 20 GeV$^2$. This is expected in the near future, when the range of the present measurements is expanded to the 20--50 GeV$^2$ region.

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arXiv2024

About the magnitude of the $γ^\ast N \to N(1520)$ transverse amplitudes near $Q^2=0$

The $γ^\ast N \to N(1520)$ transition has a property that differs from the other low-lying nucleon resonance amplitudes: the magnitude of the transverse helicity amplitudes.The transition helicity amplitudes are defined in terms of square-transfer momentum $q^2$, or $Q^2=-q^2$. Near the photon point ($Q^2=0$) there is a significant difference in the magnitude of the transverse amplitudes: $A_{3/2}$ is very large and $A_{1/2}$ is very small. This atypical behavior contrasts with the relation between the amplitudes at the pseudothreshold [the limit where the nucleon and the $N(1520)$ are both at rest and $Q^2 <0$], where $A_{3/2} = A_{1/2}/\sqrt{3}$, and also in the large-$Q^2$ region, where theory and data suggest that $A_{3/2}$ is suppressed relative to $A_{1/2}$. In the present work, we look for the source of the suppression of the $A_{1/2}$ amplitude at $Q^2=0$. The result is easy to understand in first approximation, when we look into the relation between the transverse amplitudes and the elementary form factors, defined by a gauge-invariant parametrization of the $γ^\ast N \to N(1520)$ transition current, near $Q^2=0$. There is a partial cancellation between contributions of two elementary form factors near $Q^2=0$. We conclude, however, that the correlation between the two elementary form factors at $Q^2=0$ is not sufficient to explain the transverse amplitude data below $Q^2 = 1$ GeV$^2$. The description of the dependence of the transverse amplitudes on $Q^2$ requires the determination of the scale of variation of the elementary form factors in the range $Q^2=0$...0.5 GeV$^2$,a region with almost non existent data. We conclude at the end that the low-$Q^2$ data for the transverse amplitudes can be well described when we relate the scale of variation of the elementary form factors with the nucleon dipole form factor.

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arXiv2024

Electromagnetic Transition Form Factors of Baryon Resonances

Recent experimental and theoretical advancements have led to significant progress in our understanding of the electromagnetic structure of nucleons ($N$), nucleon excitations ($N^\ast$), and other baryons. These breakthroughs have been made possible by the capabilities of modern facilities, enabling the induction of photo- and electro-excitation of nucleon resonances. Recent experimental advances have sparked notable developments in theoretical approaches. New theoretical methods have been tested and proven to be robust, marking the beginning of a new era in our understanding on baryons. We present a comprehensive review of progress in experimental data on $γ^\ast N \to N^\ast$ reactions. Additionally, we discuss various analyses and theoretical results. Some of these methods have matured in their predictive power, offering new perspectives on exotic hadrons with multiquark components. We place special emphasis on both the low-$Q^2$ and large-$Q^2$ regions to reinforce crucial physical constraints on observables that hold in these limits. Furthermore, we illustrate that the combination of lattice QCD with chiral effective field theory and quark models, respectively, proves beneficial in interpreting data and applying constraints within those different regimes. As a practical contribution and for future reference, we review the formulas for helicity amplitudes, multipole form factors and the relations between these two sets of functions for transitions to resonances with general spin $J \geq \frac{1}{2}$. These formulas are ubiquitous and play a pivotal role in experimental and theoretical studies on baryon structure. Notably, the multipole transition form factors for $J \ge \frac{3}{2}$ resonances serve as valuable tools to test perturbative QCD results in the large-$Q^2$ region, thanks to the correlations between electric and magnetic transition form factors.

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arXiv2023

Meson cloud contributions to the Dalitz decays of decuplet to octet baryons

We study the role of the meson cloud on the electromagnetic transitions from decuplet ($B'$) to octet ($B$) baryons in terms of the squared four-momentum transfer $q^2$. In the quark model framework, the meson cloud dressing of the quark cores gives important contributions to the $γ^\ast N \to Δ(1232)$ transition form factors. In the present work, we estimate the meson cloud contributions of all decuplet to octet baryon transitions ($γ^\ast B \to B'$ or $B' \to γ^\ast B$). Models that combine valence quark effects with pion and kaon cloud dressing provide a fair description of the radiative decays of decuplet to octet baryons, namely the $Σ^0(1385) \to γΛ(1116)$ and $Σ^+(1385) \to γΣ^+ (1193)$ decays. Previous studies indicated the relevance of the pion cloud effects on the $B^\prime \to γ^\ast B$ transition, but also suggested that the kaon cloud contributions may be important in the timelike region. We combine then the contributions of the bare core, estimated by a covariant quark model, with $q^2$-dependent contributions of pion and kaon clouds. We use the framework to calculate the Dalitz decay rates and the Dalitz decay widths of decuplet baryons in octet baryons with di-electrons ($B' \to e^+ e^- B$) or di-muons ($B' \to μ^+ μ^- B$). We conclude, based on the magnitude of our results, that most estimates of the $B' \to e^+ e^- B$ Dalitz decay widths may be tested at HADES and PANDA (GSI) in a near future. We discuss also the possibility of measuring the $Δ(1232) \to μ^+ μ^- N$ and $Σ^0 (1385) \to μ^+ μ^- Λ(1116)$ decay widths in some facilities, based on the estimated branching ratios.

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arXiv2021

Electromagnetic form factors of baryons in nuclear medium

The electromagnetic structure of the baryons is modified in the nuclear medium. The modifications can be inferred from the comparison between the electromagnetic form factors in medium with the respective form factor in vacuum. Of particular interest is the ratio between the electric and magnetic form factors in medium ($G_E^*/G_M^*$) and vacuum ($G_E/G_M$) of the octet baryon. The deviation of the double ratios ($G_E^*/G_M^*)/(G_E/G_M)$ from unity measures the impact of the medium modification of the electromagnetic structure in a nuclear medium. Measurements of the double ratios $(G_E^*/G_M^*)/(G_E/G_M)$ for different nuclear densities may become available in a near future using the polarization-transfer method developed at Jefferson Lab. We present estimates of the double ratios of octet baryons based on a covariant constituent quark model, which takes into account pion cloud excitations of the baryon cores,for different nuclear densities. Our results manifest different features, namely, enhancement or quenching depending on the baryon flavor content.

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arXiv2021

Electromagnetic form factors of the $Ω^-$ baryon in the spacelike and timelike regions

We present complete calculations of the electromagnetic form factors of the $Ω^-$ in the spacelike region and in the timelike region. The four elastic form factors: electric charge ($G_{E0}$), magnetic dipole ($G_{M1}$), electric quadrupole ($G_{E2}$) and magnetic octupole ($G_{M3}$), are estimated within the covariant spectator quark model, in terms of the square momentum transfer $q^2$. The free parameters of the $Ω^-$ wave function, including a $S$-wave state and two independent $D$-wave states radial wave functions and the admixture coefficients are fixed by the comparison with the lattice QCD data in the spacelike region ($Q^2=-q^2 \le 0$) and with the recent $e^+ e^- \to Ω^- \bar Ω^+$ data from CLEO in the timelike region ($q^2 > 0$). The estimates in the timelike region for square momentum transfer $q^2 \ge 4 M_Ω^2$ are based on large-$q^2$ asymptotic relations ($M_Ω$ is the $Ω^-$ mass). We examine also the impact of the large-$Q^2$ correlations between different form factors and analyze the possible solutions. The electric quadrupole and the magnetic octupole moments of the $Ω^-$, and the $e^+ e^- \to Ω^- \bar Ω^+$ integrated cross sections for very large $q^2$ are estimated based on the model results.

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arXiv2020

Quark model calculations of transition form factors at high photon virtualities

We present calculations of $γ^\ast N \to N^\ast$ transition form factors, where $N$ is the nucleon and $N^\ast$ is a nucleon resonance, based on a covariant quark model. Our main focus is at high photon virtualities (large $Q^2$) where the valence quark degrees of freedom dominate the contributions to the transition form factors and helicity amplitudes. In that regime, the quark model estimates can be compared with the available data, particularly with the Jefferson Lab data at intermediate and large momentum transfer ($Q^2 >2$ GeV$^2$). The main focus is on the $Δ(1232)3/2^+$, $N(1440)1/2^+$, $N(1535)1/2^-$ and $N(1520)3/2^-$ resonances, but estimates for other higher mass resonances are also discussed.

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arXiv2020

A covariant model for the decuplet to octet Dalitz decays

In the last years it became possible to measure in HADES the dilepton decays of several baryons. The baryon dilepton decays provide information about the electromagnetic structure of the baryons in the timelike region. In the present work, we study the $B^\prime \to e^+ e^- B$ decays, where $B^\prime$ is a baryon decuplet member and $B$ is a baryon octet member. Our calculations are based on the covariant spectator quark model, where the contribution of the quark core is complemented with an $SU(3)$ contribution from the pion cloud. The pion cloud contribution prove to be relevant in the range of study. We present predictions for the $Σ^0 (1385) \to e^+ e^- Λ(1116)$ and $Σ^{+}(1385) \to e^+ e^- Σ^+(1193)$ decays, which may be tested at HADES in a near future. Predictions for the remaining decuplet baryon Dalitz decays are also presented. We conclude that different orders of magnitudes are expected for the baryon decuplet Dalitz decay widths, according to the quark content of the baryons. We also conclude that the dependence of the transition form factors on the square momentum transfer ($q^2$) is important for some transitions.

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arXiv2020

Covariant model for the Dalitz decay of the $N(1535)$ resonance

We develop a covariant model for the $γ^\ast N \to N(1535)$ transition in the timelike kinematical region, the region where the square momentum transfer $q^2$ is positive. Our starting point is the covariant spectator quark model constrained by data in the spacelike kinematical region ($Q^2 = -q^2 >0$). The model is used to estimate the contributions of valence quarks to the transition form factors, and one obtains a fair description of the Dirac form factor at intermediate and large $Q^2$. For the Pauli form factor there is evidence that beyond the quark-core contributions there are also significant contributions of meson cloud effects. Combining the quark-core model with an effective description of the meson cloud effects, we derive a parametrization of the spacelike data that can be extended covariantly to the timelike region. This extension enabled us to estimate the Dalitz decay widths of the $N(1535)$ resonance, among other observables. Our calculations can help in the interpretation of the present experiments at HADES ($pp$ collisions and others).

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arXiv2020

Hyperon electromagnetic timelike elastic form factors at large $q^2$

We present estimates of the hyperon elastic form factors for the baryon octet and the $Ω^-$ baryon for large four-momentum transfer squared, $q^2$, in the timelike region ($q^2>0$). Experimentally, those form factors can be extracted from the $e^+ e^- \to B \bar B$ and $p \bar p \to B \bar B$ processes, where $B$ stands for a general baryon. Our results are based on calculations of the elastic electromagnetic form factors in the spacelike region ($Q^2 = - q^2 > 0$) within a covariant quark model. To connect the results in the spacelike region to those in the timelike region, we use asymptotic relations between the two regions which are constraints derived from analyticity and unitarity. We calculate the effective form factors $|G(q^2)|$ and compare them with the integrated cross section data $σ_{\rm Born} (q^2)$ from BaBar, BES III, and CLEO. The available data are at the moment restricted to $Λ$, $Σ^0$, $Σ^-$, $Ξ^-$, $Ξ^0$, and $Ω^-$ as well as to $e^+ e^- \to Λ\bar Σ^0 $ and $e^+ e^- \to Σ^0 \bar Λ$ reactions. Our results provide useful reference for future experiments and seem to indicate that the present data are still in the non-perturbative QCD region, while the onset for the asymptotic constraints from analyticity and unitarity happens much before the region of the perturbative QCD falloff of the form factors.

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