Test of QCD through hadron form factors measurements at large momentum transfer

TL;DR

This paper reviews how measurements of hadron form factors at large momentum transfer can test Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) predictions, especially for protons, by probing small internal structures and validating theoretical models.

Contribution

It provides an overview of current experimental status and discusses the potential to test pQCD predictions like quark counting and helicity conservation in proton form factors.

Findings

Current measurements support pQCD predictions

Probing small nucleon distances enhances understanding of QCD

Experimental data constrains nucleon structure models

Abstract

We review the present situation with hadron form factors in space-like and time-like regions. The possibility to transfer high momenta, and therefore to access small internal nucleon distances, allows to test nucleon models in particular pQCD predictions such as quark counting rules and helicity conservation. We will focus here to the proton case, although general statements apply also to neutron and light hadrons.