Large-x connections of nuclear and high-energy physics

TL;DR

This paper explores how global QCD fits of parton distribution functions bridge high-energy particle physics and nuclear physics, highlighting recent collaborative advances, uncertainties, and experimental needs.

Contribution

It demonstrates the integration of high-energy and nuclear physics through global QCD fits, emphasizing recent collaborative efforts and uncertainty quantification.

Findings

Improved understanding of hadron structure at large parton momentum.

Quantification of theoretical uncertainties in deep inelastic scattering.

Identification of experimental progress needed to reduce uncertainties.

Abstract

I discuss how global QCD fits of parton distribution functions can make the somewhat separated fields of high-energy particle physics and lower energy hadronic and nuclear physics interact to the benefit of both. I review specific examples of this interplay from recent works of the CTEQ-Jefferson Lab collaboration, including hadron structure at large parton momentum and gauge boson production at colliders. I devote particular attention to quantifying theoretical uncertainties arising in the treatment of large partonic momentum contributions to deep inelastic scattering observables, and to discussing the experimental progress needed to reduce these.