Jets as precision probes in electron-nucleus collisions at the Electron-Ion Collider

TL;DR

This paper explores how jets can be used as precise tools to study the internal structure of nuclei in electron-nucleus collisions at the upcoming Electron-Ion Collider, focusing on novel measurement techniques and their potential insights.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach for using electron-jet measurements as orthogonal probes to existing methods, with specific observables and analysis strategies for the EIC.

Findings

Jet observables can constrain the parton transport coefficient in nuclei.

Simulations and analytical calculations show measurable medium effects.

Proposed measurements can improve understanding of nuclear parton dynamics.

Abstract

We discuss the prospects of using jets as precision probes in electron-nucleus collisions at the future Electron-Ion Collider. Jets produced in deep-inelastic scattering can be calibrated by a measurement of the scattered electron. Such electron-jet "tag and probe" measurements call for an approach that is orthogonal to most HERA jet measurements as well as previous studies of jets at the future EIC. We present observables such as the electron-jet momentum balance, azimuthal correlations and jet substructure, which can provide constraints on the parton transport coefficient in nuclei. We compare simulations and analytical calculations and provide estimates of the expected medium effects. Implications for detector design at the future EIC are discussed.