Single Spin Asymmetries in l p(transv. pol.) --> h X processes and TMD factorisation

TL;DR

This paper investigates single spin asymmetries in inclusive lepton-proton collisions producing hadrons, using TMD factorisation and Sivers/Collins functions fitted from SIDIS data, and compares predictions with experimental results.

Contribution

It extends TMD factorisation to inclusive processes and tests its validity by comparing predictions with experimental data, providing insights into spin asymmetries.

Findings

Predictions agree with experimental data in sign and shape.

TMD factorisation assumptions hold for large P_T processes.

Future experimental predictions are provided.

Abstract

Some estimates for the transverse Single Spin Asymmetry, A_N, in the inclusive processes l p(transv. pol.) --> h X, given in a previous paper, are expanded and compared with new experimental data. The predictions are based on the Sivers distributions and the Collins fragmentation functions which fit the azimuthal asymmetries measured in Semi-Inclusive Deep Inelastic Scattering (SIDIS) processes (l p(transv. pol.) --> l' h X). The factorisation in terms of Transverse Momentum Dependent distribution and fragmentation functions (TMD factorisation) -- i.e., the theoretical framework in which SIDIS azimuthal asymmetries are analysed -- is assumed to hold also for the inclusive process l p --> h X at large P_T. The values of A_N thus obtained agree in sign and shape with the data. Some predictions are given for future experiments.