Constraining the rho meson wavefunction

TL;DR

This paper constrains the rho meson wavefunction using a dipole model fitted to HERA data, aiming to improve predictions for diffractive rho production and saturation effects at future Electron-Ion Colliders.

Contribution

It provides a new extraction of the rho meson wavefunction and distribution amplitude using a Regge-inspired dipole model, testing robustness with alternative models.

Findings

Wavefunction extracted consistent with HERA data

Distribution amplitude determined from the model

Robustness checked with different dipole models

Abstract

Diffractive rho meson production has been identified as one of the important processes where saturation can be probed at a future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). A source of uncertainty in making predictions for this process lies within the assumed form of the meson light-cone wavefunction. We report here the results of reference [1] where a Regge-inspired dipole model was used to extract this wavefunction as well as the corresponding leading twist-2 Distribution Amplitude from the current accurate HERA data. In addition, we shall check the robustness of the conclusions in reference [1] by using alternative Colour Glass Condensate dipole models.