Tensor-polarized structure function $b_1$ by convolution picture for deuteron

TL;DR

This paper calculates the tensor structure function $b_1$ for the deuteron using a convolution model, finds discrepancies with experimental data, and suggests new physics mechanisms and future experimental tests.

Contribution

It introduces a convolution-based calculation of $b_1$ for the deuteron and highlights significant differences with experimental data, indicating potential new physics.

Findings

Large differences between theoretical $b_1$ and HERMES data.

Significant $b_1$ distributions at large Bjorken $x$.

Future experiments at JLab and Fermilab are planned to measure $b_1$.

Abstract

There are polarized structure functions $b_{1-4}$ for the spin-1 deuteron. We calculated the leading-twist tensor structure function $b_1$ by using convolution description for the deuteron. We found large differences between our theoretical functions and HERMES experimental data on $b_1$. Although higher-twist effects should be considered in obtaining experimental $b_1$, it suggests a possible existence of new hadron physics mechanism for spin-1 hadrons. Furthermore, we found that there are significant distributions at large Bjorken $x$. In future, an experimental measurement is planned at JLab for $b_1$ and there is a possibility of a proton-deuteron Drell-Yan experiment at Fermilab with the tensor-polarized deuteron, so that further theoretical studies are needed for clarifying the physics origin of tensor structure in terms of quark and gluon degrees of freedom.