Low energy theorem for virtual Compton scattering and generalized sum rules of the nucleon

TL;DR

This paper develops a model-independent low energy theorem for virtual Compton scattering on nucleons, leading to revised generalized sum rules that include previously omitted t-channel contributions, enhancing understanding of nucleon structure.

Contribution

It introduces a new, model-independent definition of the low energy limit for virtual Compton scattering, unifying sum rules for real and virtual photons.

Findings

Generalized sum rules now include t-channel contributions.

A continuous limit for sum rules at real photons is established.

The low energy theorem provides a consistent framework for nucleon polarizabilities.

Abstract

We formulate the low energy theorem for virtual Compton scattering off a nucleon and examine its consequences for generalized nucleon polarizabilites. As a result of a new, model independent definition of the low energy limit for VVCS reaction, all generalized sum rules of the nucleon have continuous limit for real photons and obtain contributions from the $t$-channel that were not included previously.