Evaluation of theoretical uncertainties in parity-violating electron scattering from nucleons and nuclei

TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of accurately estimating theoretical uncertainties in parity-violating electron scattering experiments to reliably interpret data on nucleon and nuclear structure.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of various sources of theoretical uncertainties affecting parity-violating electron scattering measurements.

Findings

Quantifies uncertainties from isospin mixing and charge distribution in nuclei.

Assesses impact of strangeness content and axial form factor of the nucleon.

Highlights the need for improved theoretical models to match experimental precision.

Abstract

Parity-violating polarized electron scattering from nucleons and nuclei provides an excellent tool to extract valuable information on nuclear and nucleon structure, as well as to determine Standard Model couplings and higher-order radiative corrections. As measurements become more precise, theoretical models should improve accordingly in order to exploit the experimental data fully in extracting meaningful information. At the same time, it is crucial that theoretical evaluations come with realistic estimations of the corresponding theoretical uncertainties to establish that the precision reached in the measurements is not compromised. Here we consider isospin mixing and the charge distribution in nuclei, and strangeness content of the nucleon together with its axial form factor.