The problem of kinematic mass corrections for unpolarized semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering

TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges and misconceptions in deriving kinematic mass corrections for semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering, contrasting with the exact target mass corrections available for inclusive scattering, and clarifies misconceptions related to recent experimental discrepancies.

Contribution

The paper clarifies why existing arguments for kinematic hadron mass corrections in SIDIS are incorrect and highlights the lack of a consistent derivation for these corrections.

Findings

Target mass corrections for inclusive DIS can be calculated exactly.

No consistent derivation exists for kinematic hadron mass corrections in SIDIS.

Misinterpretation of mass corrections can lead to incorrect explanations of experimental data.

Abstract

Miraculously, target mass corrections for inclusive deep inelastic scattering can be calculated exactly. On the contrary, there does not exist a consistent derivation of kinematic hadron mass corrections for semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS). Recently this has become of topical interest, since there is a significant difference between the measured HERMES and COMPASS pion and kaon multiplicities, which cannot be explained as a consequence of evolution in $Q^2$, and it has been suggested that the difference can be understood if kinematic hadron mass corrections are taken into account. We explain why this argument is incorrect.