Parton distribution functions and intrinsic charm at LHCb

TL;DR

This paper discusses how LHCb's unique phase space allows for the study of proton PDFs, especially intrinsic charm, through vector boson production measurements in the forward region.

Contribution

It presents measurements of vector boson production at LHCb that can constrain proton PDFs and explore intrinsic charm content.

Findings

Constraints on proton PDFs from LHCb data

Evidence for intrinsic charm in the proton

Enhanced understanding of forward region particle production

Abstract

At LHCb, proton parton distribution functions (PDFs) can be studied in a unique phase space complementary to that accessible by ATLAS and CMS, corresponding to low and high values of Bjorken-$x$. The measurements of vector boson production in the forward region, with and without an associated jet, are presented. These measurements can be used to constrain the proton PDFs, and in particular, the production of a $Z$ boson in association with a $c$-jet can be studied to measure the intrinsic charm content of the proton.