On higher order radiative corrections to elastic electron-proton scattering

TL;DR

This paper discusses quantum electrodynamics radiative corrections to elastic electron-proton scattering at low energies, emphasizing higher order effects that influence the extraction of the proton charge radius from experimental data.

Contribution

It provides calculations of higher order radiative corrections within the next-to-leading approximation for low-energy electron-proton scattering.

Findings

Higher order effects can significantly alter the proton charge radius extraction.

Vacuum polarization effects are included in the correction calculations.

Corrections are relevant for the A1 Collaboration's experimental conditions.

Abstract

QED radiative corrections to elastic electron-proton scattering at low energies are discussed. Corrections to the electron line and effects due to vacuum polarization are computed. Higher order effects are estimated for the conditions of the experiment on the electric and magnetic proton form factors by A1 Collaboration. Calculations are performed within the next-to-leading approximation. Inclusion of the higher order effects can affect the value of the proton charge radius extracted from the experimental data.