The beam charge asymmetry helps to isolate the real part of the deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) amplitude. It is discussed what information can be gained both from the real and imaginary part of the DVCS amplitude.
We describe small-x_Bj deeply virtual Compton scattering measurements at HERA in terms of generalized parton distributions at leading order of perturbation series.
We propose new parameterizations for the border and skewness functions appearing in the description of 3D nucleon structure in the language of Generalized Parton Distributions (GPDs). These parameterizations are constructed in a way to fulfill the basic properties of GPDs, like their reduction to Parton Density Functions and Elastic Form Factors. They also rely on the power behavior of GPDs in the $x \to 1$ limit and the propounded analyticity property of Mellin moments of GPDs. We evaluate Compton Form Factors (CFFs), the sub-amplitudes of the Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering (DVCS) process,…
We review the phenomenological framework for accessing Generalized Parton Distributions (GPDs) using measurements of Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering (DVCS) from a proton target. We describe various GPD models and fitting procedures, emphasizing specific challenges posed both by the internal structure and properties of the GPD functions and by their relation to observables. Bearing in mind forthcoming data of unprecedented accuracy, we give a set of recommendations to better define the pathway for a precise extraction of GPDs from experiment.
We consider deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) on a photon target, in the generalized Bjorken limit, at the Born order and in the leading logarithmic approximation. This leads us to the extraction of the photon anomalous generalized parton distributions (GPDs) \cite{url, DVCSphoton}.
We develop the minimal model of a new leading order parameterization of GPDs introduced by Shuvaev and Polyakov. The model for GPDs H and E is formulated in terms of the forward quark distributions, the Gegenbauer moments of the D-term and the forward limit of the GPD E. The model is designed primarely for small and medium-size values of x_B, x_B \leq 0.2. We examined two different models of the t-dependence of the GPDs: The factorized exponential model and the non-factorized Regge-motivated model. Using our model, we successfully described the DVCS cross section measured by H1 and ZEUS, the m…
We generalize the leading twist theory of nuclear shadowing and calculate quark and gluon generalized parton distributions (GPDs) of spinless nuclei. We predict very large nuclear shadowing for nuclear GPDs. In the limit of the purely transverse momentum transfer, our nuclear GPDs become impact-parameter-dependent nuclear parton distributions (PDFs). Nuclear shadowing induces nontrivial correlations between the impact parameter b and the light-cone fraction x. We make predictions for the deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) amplitude and the DVCS cross section on Pb-208 at high energies. W…
We study incoherent DVCS on $^4$He in the $^4{\rm He}(e,e^{\prime}γp)X$ reaction, which probes medium-modifications of the bound nucleon GPDs and elastic form factors. Assuming that the bound nucleon GPDs are modified in proportion to the corresponding bound nucleon elastic form factors, as predicted in the Quark-Meson Coupling model, we develop an approach to calculate various incoherent nuclear DVCS observables. As an example, we compute the beam-spin DVCS asymmetry, and predict the $x_B$- and $t$-dependence of the ratio of the bound to free proton asymmetries, $A_{\rm LU}^{p^{\ast}}(ϕ)/A_{\…
By assuming factorization of the GPD under the deconvolution integral for the hand-bag diagram, we develop a method of solving this integral beyond the cross-over line. As examples we use explicit models of deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) amplitudes to get solution for relevant GPDs.
The sub-leading power of the scattering amplitude for deeply-virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) off the nucleon contains leading-twist and twist-3 generalized parton distributions (GPDs). We point out that in DVCS, at twist-3 accuracy, one cannot address any individual twist-3 GPD. This complication appears on top of the deconvolution issues familiar from the twist-2 DVCS amplitude. Accessible are exclusively linear combinations involving both vector and axial-vector twist-3 GPDs. This implies, in particular, that the (kinetic) orbital angular momentum of quarks can hardly be constrained by twi…
Within the framework of the Color Glass Condensate model, we evaluate quark and gluon Generalized Parton Distributions (GPDs) and the cross section of Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering (DVCS) in the small-$x_{B}$ region. We demonstrate that the DVCS cross section becomes independent of energy in the limit of very small $x_{B}$, which clearly indicates saturation of the DVCS cross section. Our predictions for the GPDs and the DVCS cross section at high-energies can be tested at the future Electron-Ion Collider and in ultra-peripheral nucleus-nucleus collisions at the LHC.
Deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) attracts a lot of interest due to its sensitivity to generalized parton distributions (GPDs) which provide a rich access to the partonic structure of hadrons. However, the practical extraction of GPDs for this channel requires a deconvolution procedure, whose feasibility has been disputed. We provide a practical approach to this problem based on a next-to-leading order analysis and a careful study of evolution effects, by exhibiting shadow GPDs with arbitrarily small imprints on DVCS observables at current and future experimental facilities. This shows …
We present a new model for generalized parton distributions (GPDs), based on the aligned jet model, which successfully describes the deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) data from H1, ZEUS, HERMES and CLAS. We also present an easily implementable and flexible algorithm for their construction. This new model is necessary since the most widely used models for GPDs, which are based on factorized double distributions, cannot, in their current form, describe the DVCS data when employed in a full QCD analysis. We demonstrate explicitly the reason for the shortcoming in the data description. We a…
Having in mind the well-known limitations of certain models of generalized parton distributions (GPDs), we show that the allegedly universal GPDs, describing both deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) and deeply virtual meson production (DVMP) data, fail to describe measurements of deep inelastic scattering. We present a new global DVCS fit that describes reasonably the world data set, which includes now also new measurements from Hall A and CLAS collaborations. We also explicitly illustrate that Compton form factors (CFFs) cannot be unambiguously extracted from photon electroproduction mea…
We perform a microscopic evaluation of nuclear GPDs for spin-0 nuclei in the framework of the Walecka model. We demonstrate that the meson (non-nucleon) degrees of freedom dramatically influence nuclear GPDs, which is revealed in the non-trivial and unexpected A-dependence of DVCS observables. In particular, we find that the first moment of the nuclear D-term, d_A(0) ~ A^2.26, which confirms the earlier prediction of M.Polyakov. We find that in the HERMES kinematics, contrary to the free proton case, the nuclear meson degrees of freedom in large nuclei enhance the nuclear DVCS amplitude which …
Generalized Parton Distributions (GPDs) offer a new way to access the quark and gluon nucleon structure. We advocate the need to supplement the experimental study of deeply virtual Compton scattering by its crossed version, timelike Compton scattering. We review recent progress in this domain, emphasizing the need to include NLO corrections to any phenomenological program to extract GPDs from experimental data.
The feasibility of extracting generalized parton distributions (GPDs) from deeply-virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) data has recently been questioned because of the existence of an infinite set of so-called ''shadow GPDs'' (SGPDs). These SGPDs depend on the process and manifest as multiple solutions (at a fixed scale $Q^2$) to the inverse problem that needs to be solved to infer GPDs from DVCS data. SGPDs therefore pose a significant challenge for extracting GPDs from DVCS data. With this motivation we study the extent to which QCD evolution can provide constraints on SGPDs. This is possible b…
Using a simple model for nuclear GPDs, we study the role of the neutron contribution to nuclear DVCS observables. As an example, we use the beam-spin asymmetry A_{LU}^A measured in coherent and incoherent DVCS on a wide range of nuclear targets in the HERMES and JLab kinematics. We find that at small values of the momentum transfer t, A_{LU}^A is dominated by the coherent-enriched contribution, which enhances A_{LU}^A compared to the free proton asymmetry A_{LU}^p, A_{LU}^A(ϕ)/A_{LU}^p(ϕ)=1.8-2.2. At large values of t, the nuclear asymmetry is dominated by the incoherent contribution and A_{LU…
Positron initiated deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) off $^4$He and $^3$He nuclei is described. The way the so-called $d-$term could be obtained from the real part of the relevant Compton form factor is summarized, and the importance and novelty of this measurement is discussed. The measurements addressed for $^3$He targets could be very useful even in a standard unpolarized target setup, measuring beam spin and beam charge asymmetries only. The unpolarized beam charge asymmetries for DVCS off $^3$He and $^4$He are also estimated, at JLab kinematics and, for $^4$He, also at a configurat…
We propose measurements of the deeply virtual Compton amplitude (DVCS), gamma* to H H-bar gamma, in the timelike t = (p_{H} + p_{H-bar})^2 > 0 kinematic domain which is accessible at electron-positron colliders via the radiative annihilation process e+ e- to H H-bar gamma. These processes allow the measurement of timelike deeply virtual Compton scattering for a variety of H H-bar hadron pairs such as pi+ pi-, K+ K-, and D D-bar as well as p p-bar. As in the conventional spacelike DVCS, there are interfering coherent amplitudes contributing to the timelike processes involving C= - form factors.…
We study the deeply-virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) process $e^- N \to e^- γπN$ involving the transition between a nucleon and a nucleon resonance in the $πN$ system, within the framework of generalized parton distributions (GPDs). For the four lowest-lying nucleon resonances, $Δ(1232)$, $P_{11}(1440)$, $D_{13}(1520)$, and $S_{11}(1535)$, we express the DVCS amplitude in the Bjorken limit in terms of corresponding nucleon-to-resonance GPDs. Building upon the knowledge of the well studied electromagnetic nucleon-to-resonance transition form factors, which map the quark charge densities in tra…
The impact of potential future measurements of beam charge asymmetries on the current knowledge of Compton form factors is evaluated. Elaborating on the results of a global neural network fit to deeply virtual Compton scattering data, a Bayesian reweighting analysis quantifies the improved determination of the real part of the Compton form factor $\mathcal{H}$. Such an improvement is particularly relevant for the experimental determination of the proton mechanical properties or for universality studies of generalized parton distributions through analyses of virtual Compton scattering in both s…
The inclusion of QCD corrections to the Born amplitude of deeply virtual Compton scattering in both spacelike (DVCS) and timelike (TCS) regimes modifies the extraction process of generalized parton distributions (GPDs) from observables. In particular, gluon contributions are by no means negligible even in the medium energy range accessible at JLab12. We emphasize the complementarity of spacelike and timelike measurements and raise the question of factorization scale dependence of the O(alpha_S) results.
The measurement of nuclear generalized parton distributions (GPDs) in hard exclusive processes, such as deeply virtual Compton Scattering (DVCS), will be one of the main achievements of a new generation of experiments at high luminosity, such as those under way at the Jefferson Laboratory (JLab) with the 12 GeV electron beam and, above all, those planned at the future Electron Ion Collider. The CLAS collaboration at JLab has recently demonstrated the possibility to disentangle the two different channels of nuclear DVCS, the coherent and incoherent ones, a first step towards the measurement of …
Recently, coherent deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) off $^3$He nuclei has been proposed to access the neutron generalized parton distributions (GPDs). In Impulse Approximation (IA) studies, it has been shown, in particular, that the sum of the two leading twist, quark helicity conserving GPDs of $^3$He, $H$ and $E$, at low momentum transfer, is dominated by the neutron contribution, so that $^3$He is very promising for the extraction of the neutron information. Nevertheless, such an extraction could be not trivial. A technique, able to take into account the nuclear effects included in …
It has been recently proposed to study coherent deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) off 3He nuclei to access neutron generalized parton distributions (GPDs). In particular, it has been shown that, in Impulse Approximation (IA) and at low momentum transfer, the sum of the quark helicity conserving GPDs of 3He, H and E, is dominated by the neutron contribution. This peculiar result makes the 3He target very promising to access the neutron information. We present here the IA calculation of the spin dependent GPD tilde-H of 3He. Also for this quantity the neutron contribution is found to be t…
We study the exclusive photoproduction of an electron-positron pair on a neutron target in the Jefferson Lab energy domain. The reaction consists of two processes: the Bethe-Heitler and the Timelike Compton Scattering. The latter process provides potentially access to the Generalized Parton Distributions (GPDs) of the nucleon. We calculate all the unpolarized, single- and double-spin observables of the reaction and study their sensitivities to GPDs.
Generalized Parton Distributions offer a new way to access the quark and gluon nucleon structure. We review recent progress in this domain, emphasizing the need to supplement the experimental study of DVCS by its crossed version, timelike Compton scattering (TCS), where data at high energy should appear thanks to the study of ultraperipheral collisions at the LHC. This will open the access to very low skewness quark and gluon GPDs. Our leading order estimates show that the factorization scale dependence of the amplitudes is quite high. This fact demands the understanding of higher order contri…
We compute the structure function, transverse momentum dependent parton distributions (TMDs), and generalized parton distributions (GPDs) for the physical photon from the light-front quantum electrodynamics (QED) Hamiltonian, determined for its constituent bare photon and electron-positron Fock components within the Basis Light-Front Quantization framework. After performing nonperturbative renormalization, we obtain a good quality description of the perturbative QED properties of the photon, as well as good agreement with the experimental data for the photon's structure function. We also inves…