arXiv subjects

Meijian Li

Publications and source records attributed to Meijian Li.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Light cone distributions of $P$-wave quarkonia

Motivated by renewed interest in the light-cone distributions of $P$-wave quarkonia, we investigate the leading-twist distribution amplitudes of these states within the basis light-front quantization (BLFQ) formalism. While our extracted distributions exhibit macroscopic shapes consistent with expectations from the non-relativistic limit, we find that relativistic effects introduce critical structural features. Most notably, we observe novel ``W"-shaped structures in the distribution amplitudes of the axial vector mesons, which arise from relativistically induced $S/D$ partial waves and cannot be explained by non-relativistic dynamics. These findings provide essential non-perturbative inputs for analyzing hard exclusive processes and highlight the importance of relativistic frameworks for understanding heavy quarkonium production and structure at modern high-energy colliders.

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arXiv2026

Light-front Hamiltonian jet evolution in the Glasma

We develop a light-front Hamiltonian formalism to study the real-time quantum evolution of a high-energy quark propagating through the Glasma phase of a heavy-ion collision. In this work, the quark Fock space is truncated to the $\ket{q}$ sector and the wavefunction is expanded in a discrete basis representation, following the time-dependent Basis Light-Front Quantization (tBLFQ) framework. The classical Glasma background fields enter as a time-dependent external potential, and physical observables are extracted as expectation values of quantum operators over the time-evolved state. We compute the transverse momentum broadening and the jet quenching parameter, finding results consistent with classical estimates, including the expected scaling with respect to the saturation momentum, and use them to perform phenomenological estimations for different collision systems. We also study the color rotation of the quark state induced by the Glasma fields, and examine its dependence on the saturation scale and the gauge choice. This formalism allows systematic improvements to include, in particular, non-eikonal propagation and parton splittings that will be considered in forthcoming publications.

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arXiv2026

Quantum simulating multi-particle processes in high energy nuclear physics: dijet production and color (de)coherence

Hard scattering events in high-energy collisions produce highly virtual partons that subsequently fragment into collimated hadronic cascades. When such partonic showers evolve in a QCD medium, as in deep-inelastic scattering or heavy-ion collisions, the resulting multi-particle distributions encode information about the surrounding matter. Decades of theoretical developments have led to a consistent and order-by-order improvable perturbative description of the shower. This description needs, however, the non-perturbative input that encodes the structure of the hadronic matter. The determination of such input remains challenging within conventional computational approaches, thereby limiting the applicability of the approach. In this work, we develop a framework that employs quantum simulation techniques to compute multi-particle processes in such environments by mapping partonic cross-sections to quantum circuits. As benchmarks, we analyze dipole formation and the QCD antenna radiation pattern at leading order in the strong coupling constant, comparing the results with analytic estimates in simplified limits. The quantum circuit formulation here introduced naturally extends to higher perturbative orders and enables amplitude-level computations in complex matter backgrounds. This provides a systematic foundation for applying quantum information science methods to study multi-particle dynamics in QCD media.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

Kinetic and canonical momentum broadening in the Glasma

We lay the foundations for a quantum formalism describing the real-time evolution of particles in the Glasma phase of a heavy-ion collision, focusing on the implications of gauge invariance in the definition of the momentum of a particle in a classical background field. We first establish the correspondence between the classical Wong's equations and the Heisenberg equations of motion for a particle in a classical non-Abelian background field. Using this correspondence, we obtain equations of motion for both the kinetic momentum -- the gauge invariant, physically measurable quantity -- and the canonical momentum, which is conjugate to the coordinates in the Hamiltonian. In particular, the kinetic momentum broadening receives non-trivial contributions from the transverse field components, even in the eikonal limit. Finally, we demonstrate that imposing a transverse Coulomb gauge condition at the initial time significantly reduces the accumulation of numerical errors, thereby providing an optimized framework for the forthcoming quantum implementation.

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arXiv2026

One-point energy correlator for deep inelastic scattering at small $x$

We derive the expressions for the one-point energy correlator (OPEC) in deep inelastic scattering in the high-energy (small-$x$) limit within the Color Glass Condensate framework. The OPEC is computed as a function of the angle between the energy flow and the target proton or nucleus, enabling a systematic exploration of different momentum scales in the scattering process. Owing to the momentum sum rule, the dependence on fragmentation functions cancels, leaving the dipole amplitude as the only nonperturbative input. As a result, the OPEC provides a clean and direct probe of gluon saturation dynamics at small $x$. We present numerical results for representative kinematic configurations relevant to the future Electron--Ion Collider, demonstrating sizable nuclear suppression effects and highlighting the sensitivity of this observable to saturation phenomena.

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arXiv2025

Initial stage jet momentum broadening in tBLFQ formalism

We study the momentum broadening of a high-energy quark jet in the large density gluon medium created right after the collision of two ultrarelativistic heavy nuclei, the Glasma. Previous Glasma studies modeled the jet as a classical probe particle, for which position and momentum are simultaneously determined. In this work, we use the light-front QCD Hamiltonian formalism to treat the jet as a fully quantum state. We compute its real-time evolution while propagating through the Glasma classical background fields, which act as an interaction potential in the quantum evolution of the jet. We present results for the momentum broadening and jet quenching parameter of a jet at mid-rapidity, with special emphasis on the anisotropies between the longitudinal and transverse directions relative to the collision axis. In addition, we compare our results to classical calculations, and initiate a study of the distinction between kinetic and canonic momentum in the context of jet momentum broadening.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Scattering and gluon emission of physical quarks in a SU(3) colored field

We study the scattering of the gluon-dressed physical quarks, defined as the eigenstates of the vacuum QCD Hamiltonian, off a colored medium. We solve the wavefunction of the physical quark state by diagonalizing the QCD Hamiltonian in vacuum in a $\ket{q}+\ket{qg}$ Fock space, with implementing the sector-dependent mass renormalization scheme. We then perform numerical simulations of the real-time quantum state evolution of the initially dressed quark state at various medium densities. The results are compared with those of an initially bare or off-shell quark states. With the obtained light-front wavefunction of the evolved state, we extract the quark jet transverse momentum broadening, the quenching parameter, the cross section, the gluon emission rate, and the evolution of the invariant mass. The scenario considered is relevant for high energy scattering processes, where the quark originates from far outside the color field describing the scattering target. This investigation on dressed quarks complements our earlier studies of the single quark scattering in the $\ket{q}$ Fock space, and of the bare quark scattering in the $\ket{q}+\ket{qg}$ Fock space, providing a novel systematic description of quark scattering process using a non-perturbative formalism.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Relativistic dynamics of charmonia in strong magnetic fields

We investigate the properties of charmonium systems in strong external magnetic fields using a relativistic light-front Hamiltonian approach within the Basis Light-Front Quantization (BLFQ) framework. By solving the eigenvalue problem for the invariant mass squared operator with confinement potentials and one-gluon-exchange interactions, we obtain the mass spectrum and wave functions under varying magnetic fields. Our results reveal significant spectral modifications via the Zeeman effect, including $\eta_c$-$J/\psi$ mixing and magnetic sublevel splitting. Momentum density analysis demonstrates wave function deformation, with transverse momentum broadening and longitudinal narrowing under strong fields, alongside structural shifts in parton distributions such as double-hump profiles in excited states. Relativistic corrections and center-of-mass coupling critically drive these dynamics, highlighting the necessity of a relativistic framework for QCD bound states in extreme magnetic environments.

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arXiv2025

Transverse Energy--Energy Correlators at Small $x$ for Photon--Hadron Production

We study the transverse energy--energy correlator (TEEC) observable in photon--hadron and photon--jet production in p+p and p+A collisions at small $x$. We derive the relevant expressions in the high-energy limit of the scattering where the dipole picture is applicable and show how the dependence on the fragmentation function of the hadron cancels due to the momentum-sum rule. The nonperturbative scattering with the target nucleus is expressed in terms of the dipole amplitude, which also describes nonlinear gluon saturation effects. The TEEC observable is computed in the RHIC and LHC kinematics, and we show that it can be sensitive to the dipole amplitude, making it a potentially good observable for studying saturation effects.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Efficient Quantum Simulation of QCD Jets on the Light Front

Quark and gluon jets provide one of the best ways to probe the matter produced in ultrarelativistic high-energy collisions, from cold nuclear matter to hot quark-gluon plasma. In this work, we propose a unified framework for efficient quantum simulation of many-body dynamics using the (3+1)-dimensional QCD Hamiltonian on the light front, particularly suited for studying the scattering of quark and gluon jets on nuclear matter in heavy-ion collisions. We describe scalable methods for mapping physical degrees of freedom onto qubits and for simulating in-medium jet evolution. We then validate our framework by implementing an algorithm that directly maps second-quantized Fock states onto qubits and uses Trotterized simulation for simulating time dynamics. Using a classical emulator, we investigate the evolution of quark and gluon jets with up to three particles in Fock states, extending prior studies. These calculations enable the study of key observables, including jet momentum broadening, particle production, and parton distribution functions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Quark jet evolution: from classical to quantum simulation

Quark jet provides one of the best ways to probe the matter produced in ultrarelativistic high-energy collisions, from cold nuclear matter to the hot quark-gluon plasma. In this proceeding paper, we review a series of works on the development of nonperturbative computational framework of in-medium quark jet evolution, from classical to quantum simulation. The application of the time-dependent Basis Light-front Quantization (tBLFQ), a nonperturbative computational approach based on light-front Hamiltonian formalism, to in-medium jet evolution enables a fully quantum treatment to the jet state on the amplitude level. Based on the tBLFQ framework, with applying novel quantum technologies, we have constructed a digital quantum circuit that tracks the evolution of a multi-particle jet probe within a stochastic color background field. With the obtained simulation results, we extracted the medium induced modification in terms of jet momentum broadening and gluon production. These studies provide a baseline for future works of in-medium jet evolution using quantum computers.

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arXiv2023

Shedding light on charmonium

We investigate E1 radiative transitions within charmonium in a relativistic approach based on light-front QCD. In quantum field theory, two sets of processes are pure E1: $\chi_{c0} \to J/\psi \gamma$ ($\psi\to \chi_{c0}\gamma$) and $h_c \to \eta_c\gamma$ ($\eta_c' \to h_c\gamma$), both involving the $P$-wave charmonia. We compute the E1 radiative decay widths as well as the corresponding transition form factors of various processes including those involving $2P$ states. These observables provide an access to the microscopic structures of the $P$-wave charmonium. We show that our parameter-free predictions are in excellent agreement with the experimental measurements as well as lattice simulations whenever available.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

On the momentum broadening of in-medium jet evolution using a light-front Hamiltonian approach

We have developed a non-perturbative light-front Hamiltonian formalism to simulate the real-time evolution of a quark state in a SU(3) colored medium, with a series of works. In this proceeding article, we focus on the transverse momentum broadening of an in-medium quark jet. We perform the numerical simulation of the quark jet evolution in the $\ket{q}+\ket{qg}$ Fock space at various medium densities. By analyzing the resulting jet light-front wavefunction, we extract the gluon emission rate and the non-eikonal quenching parameter. Additionally, we provide the analytical derivation of the eikonal expectation value of the quark-gluon state's transverse momentum for any color configuration and arbitrary spatial distribution. This study can help understand jet momentum broadening beyond the eikonal limit.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Quantum simulation of in-medium QCD jets: momentum broadening, gluon production, and entropy growth

Jets provide one of the primary probes of the quark-gluon plasma produced in ultrarelativistic heavy ion collisions and the cold nuclear matter explored in deep inelastic scattering experiments. However, despite important developments in the last years, a description of the real-time evolution of QCD jets inside a medium is still far from being complete. In our previous work, we have explored quantum technologies as a promising alternative theoretical laboratory to simulate jet evolution in QCD matter, to overcome inherent technical difficulties in present calculations. Here, we extend our previous investigation from the single particle $|q\rangle$ to the $|q\rangle+|qg\rangle$ Fock space, taking into account gluon production. Based on the light-front Hamiltonian formalism, we construct a digital quantum circuit that tracks the evolution of a multi-particle jet probe in the presence of a medium described as a stochastic color field. Studying the momentum broadening of the jet state, we observe sizable sub-eikonal effects by comparing to eikonal estimates. We also study the medium-induced modifications to the gluon emission probability, which exhibit small corrections compared to the vacuum splitting function. In addition, we study the time evolution of the von-Neumann entropy associated with the quark component; we find that the exponential of the entropy grows linearly in time for the bare quark but super-linearly when taking into account gluon emission.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

On the momentum broadening of in-medium jet evolution using a light-front Hamiltonian approach

Following the non-perturbative light-front Hamiltonian formalism developed in our preceding work [Phys.Rev.D 104 (2021) 5, 056014], we investigate the momentum broadening of a quark jet inside a SU(3) colored medium. We perform the numerical simulation of the real-time jet evolution in Fock spaces of a single quark, a quark-gluon state, and coupled quark- and quark-gluon states at various jet momenta $p^+$ and medium densities. With the obtained jet light-front wavefunction, we extract the jet transverse momentum distribution, the quenching parameter, and the gluon emission rate. We analyze the dependence of momentum broadening on $p^+$, medium density, color configuration, spatial correlation, and medium-induced gluon emission. For comparison, we also derive analytically the expectation value of the transverse momentum of a quark-gluon state in any color configuration and in an arbitrary spatial distribution in the eikonal limit. This work can help understand jet momentum broadening in the non-eikonal regime.

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arXiv2023

Anisotropic flow and the valence quark skeleton of hadrons

We study transverse momentum anisotropies, in particular, the elliptic flow $v_2$ due to the interference effect sourced by valence quarks in high-energy hadron-hadron collisions. Our main formula is derived as the high-energy (eikonal) limit of the impact-parameter dependent cross section in quantum field theory, which agrees with that in terms of the impact parameter in the classical picture. As a quantitative assessment of the interference effect, we calculate $v_2$ in the azimuthal distribution of gluons at a comprehensive coverage of the impact parameter and the transverse momentum in high-energy pion-pion collisions. In a broad range of the impact parameter, a sizable amount of $v_2$, comparable with that produced due to saturated dense gluons or final-state interactions, is found to develop. In our calculations, the valence sector of the pion wave function is obtained numerically from the Basis Light-Front Quantization, a non-perturbative light-front Hamiltonian approach. And our formalism is generic and can be applied to other small collision systems like proton-proton collisions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Mesons on the light front

This lecture note is written for 'Courses on Light-Cone Techniques applied to QCD', Nov 21-25, 2022, IGFAE. It is intended to provide basic knowledge and selective perspectives on the application of light-front Hamiltonian approach to mesons in two 1.5-hour lectures.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Medium induced jet broadening in a quantum computer

QCD jets provide one of the best avenues to extract information about the quark-gluon plasma produced in the aftermath of ultra relativistic heavy ions collisions. The structure of jets is determined by multiparticle quantum interference hard to tackle using perturbative methods. When jets evolve in a QCD medium this interference pattern is modified, adding another layer of complexity. By taking advantage of the recent developments in quantum technologies, such effects might be better understood via direct quantum simulation of jet evolution. In this work, we introduce a precursor to such simulations. Based on the light-front Hamiltonian formalism, we construct a digital quantum circuit that tracks the evolution of a single hard probe in the presence of a stochastic color background. In terms of the jet quenching parameter $\hat q$, the results obtained using classical simulators of ideal quantum computers agree with known analytical results. With this study, we hope to provide a baseline for future in-medium jet physics studies using quantum computers.

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