Proton spin structure functions and generalized Sullivan processes
Journal
Phys. Rev.
Journal Volume
D49
Pages
2221-2232
Date Issued
1994
Author(s)
Abstract
We employ the time-ordered perturbation field theory in the infinite momentum limit, as developed extensively by Drell, Levy, and Yan, to derive the convolution formulas for the proton spin structure functions g1(x,Q2) and g2(x,Q2) suitable for the generalized Sullivan processes, in which the meson in the cloud or the recoiling baryon is struck and smashed by the virtual photon. Following a previous suggestion that the sea quark distributions of a nucleon at low and moderate Q2 may be attributed primarily to such Sullivan processes, we use the convolution formulas to obtain the first moments Γp01g1p(x,Q2)dx and Γn01g1n(x,Q2)dx, as well as to investigate g1p(x,Q2) and g1n(x,Q2) as a function of x. Our results indicate that both the data on g1p(x,Q2) obtained previously by the European Muon Collaboration and the recent data on the deuteron spin structure function g1d(x,Q2) obtained by the Spin Muon Collaboration can be understood and the Bjorken sum rule is satisfied. A comparison between our prediction on g1n(x,Q2) and the recent SLAC data is also given. © 1994 The American Physical Society.
SDGs
Type
journal article