Semi-inclusive Deep Inelastic Scattering at small x

TL;DR

This paper develops a transverse momentum dependent factorization framework for semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering at small x, linking it with small-x approaches and exploring saturation physics through quark distribution ratios.

Contribution

It introduces a consistent TMD factorization at small x that connects with color-dipole and color glass condensate models, advancing the understanding of saturation effects.

Findings

Quark distribution ratios depend strongly on the saturation scale.

The ratio's Q^2 dependence is analyzed using Collins-Soper-Sterman resummation.

The framework aligns with small-x approaches in the appropriate kinematic region.

Abstract

We study the semi-inclusive hadron production in deep inelastic scattering at small $x$. A transverse momentum dependent factorization is found consistent with the results calculated in the small-$x$ approaches, such as the color-dipole framework and the color glass condensate, in the appropriate kinematic region at the lowest order. The transverse momentum dependent quark distribution can be studied in this process as a probe for the small-$x$ saturation physics. Especially, the ratio of quark distributions as a function of transverse momentum at different $x$ demonstrates strong dependence on the saturation scale. The $Q^2$ dependence of the same ratio is also studied by applying the Collins-Soper-Sterman resummation method.