Probing TMDs through azimuthal distributions of pions inside a jet in hadronic collisions

TL;DR

This paper investigates azimuthal distributions of pions within jets in proton-proton collisions to explore transverse momentum dependent parton distributions, focusing on Collins and Sivers effects and their process dependence.

Contribution

It introduces a method to disentangle Collins and Sivers effects in azimuthal asymmetries of pions inside jets in hadronic collisions.

Findings

Estimated azimuthal asymmetries at RHIC kinematics.

Demonstrated disentanglement of Collins and Sivers contributions.

Provided a test for the process dependence of the Sivers function.

Abstract

The azimuthal distributions around the jet axis of leading pions produced in the jet fragmentation process in pp collisions are studied within the framework of the so-called generalized parton model. The observable leading-twist azimuthal asymmetries are estimated in kinematic configurations presently investigated at RHIC. It is shown how the main contributions coming from the Collins and Sivers effects can be disentangled. In addition, a test of the process dependence of the Sivers function is provided.