arXiv subjects

Zhao-Qian Yao

Publications and source records attributed to Zhao-Qian Yao.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Distribution amplitudes of vector and axial-vector mesons in a nonperturbatively improved symmetry-preserving framework

Using continuum Schwinger-function methods with a nonperturbatively improved, symmetry-preserving kernel, we deliver predictions for the leading-twist light-front distribution amplitudes (DAs) of the $ρ$, $K^\ast$, $a_1(1260)$, $b_1(1235)$, and the unmixed strange partners of the $1^{++}$ and $1^{+-}$ axial-vector (AV) channels, reconstructed from Mellin moments of the associated Bethe--Salpeter wave functions. For vector mesons, polarisation barely affects longitudinal momentum sharing: the longitudinal and transverse DAs are nearly degenerate, and both narrower than the asymptotic distribution in the second-moment sense. The AV sector is different in kind. Charge conjugation compels one projection -- interchanged between the $1^{++}$ and $1^{+-}$ channels -- to vanish at $x=1/2$ and change sign; breaking $SU_F(3)$ symmetry removes this protection, whereupon the zeroth moments become nonzero and the nodes shift from the midpoint. Under a common weighted normalisation, the $1^{+-}$ zeroth moment is $1.63$ times that of the $1^{++}$ channel, and the profile distortion follows the same pattern. A coupling forbidden by charge conjugation in the symmetric limit, $f_{b_1}=0$, becomes $f_{K_1^{+-}}=0.019\,$GeV in the strange channel: an independent measure of the same symmetry breaking, obtained from a current matrix element rather than from the DA reconstruction. What distinguishes the two sectors is thus a symmetry-enforced zero, not the size of the flavour asymmetry.

hep-ph↗

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

Pion structure from its light-front wave function

Understanding the structural properties of the pion is essential for elucidating the mechanisms of mass generation within the Standard Model and their role in the emergence and properties of the hadronic matter. Light-front wave functions encode extensive information about the internal structure of these systems and provide the link to measurable quantities such as generalized parton distributions and transverse-momentum-dependent distributions. Guided by recent progress in continuum Schwinger methods, we derive well-founded and practical representations of these quantities, enabling the exploration of several facets of the pion structure, including distribution amplitudes and distribution functions, elastic and gravitational form factors, and the associated momentum and spatial distributions. The results presented here are consistent with expectations and can be tested at modern experimental facilities, including the new generation of electron-ion colliders.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

Contact interaction treatment of the nucleon Faddeev equation

Working with a symmetry-preserving treatment of a vector*vector contact interaction (SCI), a largely algebraic three-body Faddeev equation treatment of the nucleon bound state problem is introduced and used to deliver results for all nucleon charge and magnetisation distributions and their flavour separation. A strength of the SCI treatment is that it provides for a transparent understanding of this three-body approach to developing predictions for baryon observables. Comparisons of SCI results with predictions obtained in realistic-interaction Faddeev equation studies reveal the sensitivities of a given observable to the pointwise behaviour of the quark-quark interaction and phenomena associated with the emergence of hadron mass.

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↗

arXiv2026

Symmetry-preserving calculation of pion light-front wave functions

Poincaré-covariant Bethe-Salpeter wave functions are used to calculate light-front wave functions (LFWFs) of the pion, $π$, and an analogue state, $π_{s\bar s}$. The current masses of the degenerate valence constituents in the $π_{s\bar s}$ are around $25$-times larger than those of the pion's valence constituents. Both valence spin-antialigned ($\mathcal L=0$) and valence spin-aligned ($\mathcal L=1$) components are obtained and combined to produce the complete LFWF for each system. Comparing predictions delivered by two distinct Bethe-Salpeter kernels, the impact of nonperturbative dynamical effects contained in the more sophisticated (bRL) kernel are seen to be significant; and contrasts between $π$, $π_{s \bar s}$ results reveal the interplay between emergent hadron mass and mass effects owing to Higgs-boson couplings. Amongst the results, one finds that for $π$, $π_{s\bar s}$, the LFWFs can be approximated by a separable form, with that representation being pointwise reliable in the bRL cases. Moreover, the $\mathcal L=1$ component is important; so a LFWF obtained after omission of this piece is typically a poor representation of the system. These features are naturally expressed in $π$, $π_{s\bar s}$ transverse momentum dependent parton distribution functions (TMDs). In this connection, it is found that a Gaussian \textit{Ansatz} can only provide a rough guide to TMD pointwise behaviour: magnitude deviations between \textit{Ansatz} and prediction exceed a factor of two on $k_\perp^2 \gtrsim 0.55\,$GeV$^2$. One should therefore be cautious in interpreting conclusions drawn from phenomenological analyses based upon Gaussian \textit{Ansätze}.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

Insights into Meson and Baryon Structure using Continuum Schwinger Function Methods

The bulk of visible mass is supposed to emerge from nonperturbative dynamics within quantum chromodynamics (QCD). Following years of development and refinement, continuum and lattice Schwinger function methods have recently joined in revealing the three pillars that support this emergent hadron mass (EHM); namely, a nonzero gluon mass-scale, a process-independent effective charge, and dressed-quarks with running masses that take constituent-like values at infrared momenta. One may argue that EHM and confinement are inextricably linked; and theory is now working to expose their manifold expressions in hadron observables and highlight the types of measurements that can be made in order to validate the paradigm. This contribution sketches these ideas via the unified explanation of pion and proton electromagnetic and gravitational form factors.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Pion, Kaon and nucleon gravitational form factors

A unified set of predictions for pion, kaon and nucleon gravitational form factors is obtained using a symmetry-preserving truncation of each relevant quantum field equation. A crucial aspect of the study is the self-consistent characterization of the dressed quark-graviton vertices, applied when probing each quark flavor inside mesons or nucleons. The calculations reveal that each hadron's mass radius is smaller than its charge radius, matching available empirical inferences; moreover, core pressures are significantly greater than those in neutron stars. This set of predictions is expected to be instrumental as forthcoming experiments provide opportunities for validation.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Hadron Structure: Perspective and Insights

The bulk of visible mass is supposed to emerge from nonperturbative dynamics within quantum chromodynamics (QCD) -- the strong interaction sector of the Standard Model. Following years of development and refinement, continuum and lattice Schwinger function methods have recently joined in revealing the three pillars that support this emergent hadron mass (EHM); namely, a nonzero gluon mass-scale, a process-independent effective charge, and dressed-quarks with constituent-like masses. One may argue that EHM and confinement are inextricably linked; and theory is now working to expose their manifold expressions in hadron observables and highlight the types of measurements that can be made in order to validate the paradigm. This contribution sketches the role played by EHM in shaping hadron electromagnetic and gravitational form factors, exciting nucleon resonances, and moulding hadron parton distributions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Likelihood of a zero in the proton elastic electric form factor

Working with the $29$ available data on the ratio of proton electric and magnetic form factors, $μ_p G_E^p(Q^2)/ G_M^p(Q^2)$, and independent of any model or theory of strong interactions, we use the Schlessinger point method to objectively address the question of whether the ratio possesses a zero and, if so, its location. Our analysis predicts that, with 50% confidence, the data are consistent with the existence of a zero in the ratio on $Q^2 \leq 10.37\,$GeV$^2$. The level of confidence increases to $99.9$\% on $Q^2 \leq 13.06\,$GeV$^2$. Significantly, the likelihood that existing data are consistent with the absence of a zero in the ratio on $Q^2 \leq 14.49\,$GeV$^2$ is $1/1$-million.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Nucleon charge and magnetisation distributions: flavour separation and zeroes

A symmetry-preserving truncation of the quantum field equations describing hadron properties is used to deliver parameter-free predictions for all nucleon elastic electromagnetic form factors and their flavour separation to large values of momentum transfer, $Q^2$. The proton electric form factor, $G_E^p$, possesses a zero, whereas that of the neutron, $G_E^n$, does not. The difference owes to the behaviour of the Pauli form factor of the proton's singly-represented valence $d$-quark. Consequently, $G_E^n>G_E^p$ on a material large-$Q^2$ domain. These predictions can be tested in modern experiments.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Onset of scaling violation in pion and kaon elastic electromagnetic form factors

Using a symmetry-preserving truncation of the quantum field equations describing hadron properties, parameter-free predictions are delivered for pion and kaon elastic electromagnetic form factors, $F_{P=π,K}$, thereby unifying them with kindred results for nucleon elastic electromagnetic form factors. Regarding positive-charge states, the analysis stresses that the presence of scaling violations in QCD entails that $Q^2 F_P(Q^2)$ should exhibit a single maximum on $Q^2>0$. Locating such a maximum is both necessary and sufficient to establish the existence of scaling violations. The study predicts that, for charged $π$, $K$ mesons, the $Q^2 F_P(Q^2)$ maximum lies in the neighbourhood $Q^2 \simeq 5\,$GeV$^2$. Foreseeable experiments will test these predictions and, providing their $Q^2$ reach meets expectations, potentially also provide details on the momentum dependence of meson form factor scaling violation.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Bethe-Salpeter kernel and properties of strange-quark mesons

Focusing on the continuum meson bound-state problem, a novel method is used to calculate closed-form Bethe-Salpeter kernels that are symmetry consistent with any reasonable gluon-quark vertex, $Γ_ν$, and therewith deliver a Poincaré-invariant treatment of the spectrum and decay constants of the ground- and first-excited states of $u$, $d$, $s$ mesons. The predictions include masses of as-yet unseen states and many unmeasured decay constants. The analysis reveals that a realistic, unified description of meson properties (including level orderings and mass splittings) requires a sound expression of emergent hadron mass in bound-state kernels; alternatively, that such properties may reveal much about the emergence of mass in the standard model.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Contact interaction analysis of octet baryon axialvector and pseudoscalar form factors

Octet baryon axial, induced pseudoscalar, and pseudoscalar form factors are computed using a symmetry-preserving treatment of a vector$\,\times\,$vector contact interaction (SCI), thereby unifying them with an array of other baryon properties and analogous treatments of semileptonic decays of pseudoscalar mesons. The baryons are treated as quark--plus--interacting-diquark bound states, whose structure is obtained by solving a Poincaré-covariant Faddeev equation. The approach is marked by algebraic simplicity, involves no free parameters, and since it is symmetry preserving, all consequences of partial conservation of the axial current are manifest. It is found that SCI results are consistent with only small violations of SU$(3)$-flavour symmetry, an outcome which may be understood as a dynamical consequence of emergent hadron mass. The spin-flavour structure of the Poincaré-covariant baryon wave functions is expressed in the presence of both flavour-antitriplet scalar diquarks and flavour-sextet axialvector diquarks and plays a key role in determining all form factors. Considering neutral axial currents, SCI predictions for the flavour separation of octet baryon axial charges and, therefrom, values for the associated SU$(3)$ singlet, triplet, and octet axial charges are obtained. The results indicate that at the hadron scale, $ζ_{\cal H}$, valence degrees-of-freedom carry roughly 50% of an octet baryon's total spin. Since there are no other degrees-of-freedom at $ζ_{\cal H}$, the remainder may be associated with quark+diquark orbital angular momentum.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Semileptonic transitions: $B_{(s)} \to π(K)$; $D_s \to K$; $D\to π, K$; and $K\to π$

Continuum Schwinger function methods for the strong-interaction bound-state problem are used to arrive at a unified set of parameter-free predictions for the semileptonic $K\to π$, $D\to π, K$ and $D_s \to K$, $B_{(s)} \to π(K)$ transition form factors and the associated branching fractions. The form factors are a leading source of uncertainty in all such calculations: our results agree quantitatively with available data and provide benchmarks for the hitherto unmeasured $D_s\to K^0$, $\bar B_s \to K^+$ form factors. The analysis delivers a value of $|V_{cs}| = 0.974(10)$ and also predictions for all branching fraction ratios in the pseudoscalar meson sector that can be used to test lepton flavour universality. Quantitative comparisons are provided between extant theory and the recent measurement of ${\cal B}_{B_s^0\to K^- μ^+ ν_μ}$. Here, further, refined measurements would be useful in moving toward a more accurate value of $|V_{ub}|$.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Vector-meson production and vector meson dominance

We consider the fidelity of the vector meson dominance (VMD) assumption as an instrument for relating the electromagnetic vector-meson production reaction $e + p \to e^\prime + V + p$ to the purely hadronic process $V + p \to V+p$. Analyses of the photon vacuum polarisation and the photon-quark vertex reveal that such a VMD Ansatz might be reasonable for light vector-mesons. However, when the vector-mesons are described by momentum-dependent bound-state amplitudes, VMD fails for heavy vector-mesons: it cannot be used reliably to estimate either a photon-to-vector-meson transition strength or the momentum dependence of those integrands that would arise in calculations of the different reaction amplitudes. Consequently, for processes involving heavy mesons, the veracity of both cross-section estimates and conclusions based on the VMD assumption should be reviewed, e.g., those relating to hidden-charm pentaquark production and the origin of the proton mass.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Semileptonic $B_c \to η_c, J/ψ$ transitions

Using a systematic, symmetry-preserving continuum approach to the Standard Model strong-interaction bound-state problem, we deliver parameter-free predictions for all semileptonic $B_c \to η_c, J/ψ$ transition form factors on the complete domains of empirically accessible momentum transfers. Working with branching fractions calculated therefrom, the following values of the ratios for $τ$ over $μ$ final states are obtained: $R_{η_c}=0.313(22)$ and $R_{J/ψ}=0.242(47)$. Combined with other recent results, our analysis confirms a $2σ$ discrepancy between the Standard Model prediction for $R_{J/ψ}$ and the single available experimental result.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

Semileptonic decays of $D_{(s)}$ mesons

A symmetry-preserving continuum approach to meson bound-states in quantum field theory, employed elsewhere to describe numerous $π$- and $K$-meson electroweak processes, is used to analyse leptonic and semileptonic decays of $D_{(s)}$ mesons. Each semileptonic transition is conventionally characterised by the value of the dominant form factor at $t=0$ and the following results are obtained herein: $f_+^{D_s\to K}(0) = 0.673(40)$; $f_+^{D\to π}(0)=0.618(31)$; and $f_+^{D\to K}(0)=0.756(36)$. Working with the computed $t$-dependence of these form factors and standard averaged values for $|V_{cd}|$, $|V_{cs}|$, one arrives at the following predictions for the associated branching fractions: ${\cal B}_{D_s^+\to K^0 e^+ ν_e} = 3.31(33)\times 10^{-3}$; ${\cal B}_{D^0\to π^- e^+ ν_e} = 2.73(22)\times 10^{-3}$; and ${\cal B}_{D^0\to K^- e^+ ν_e} = 3.83(28)$%. Alternatively, using the calculated $t$-dependence, agreement with contemporary empirical results for these branching fractions requires $|V_{cd}|=0.221(9)$, $|V_{us}|=0.953(34)$. With all $D_{(s)}$ transition form factors in hand, the nature of SU$(3)$-flavour symmetry-breaking in this array of processes can be analysed; and just as in the $π$-$K$ sector, the magnitude of such effects is found to be determined by the scales associated with emergent mass generation in the Standard Model, not those originating with the Higgs mechanism.

hep-ph↗