Continuum limit of parton distribution functions from the pseudo-distribution approach on the lattice

TL;DR

This paper advances the lattice QCD determination of nucleon parton distribution functions by analyzing discretization effects and implementing 2-loop matching in the pseudo-distribution approach, improving the precision of first-principle calculations.

Contribution

It introduces a continuum limit analysis of pseudo-PDFs on the lattice and incorporates 2-loop matching effects for the first time in this context.

Findings

Discretization effects studied across three lattice spacings.

Extraction of isovector unpolarized PDFs at a pion mass of 370 MeV.

First implementation of 2-loop matching in pseudo-PDF analysis.

Abstract

Precise exploration of the partonic structure of the nucleon is one of the most important aims of high-energy physics. In recent years, it has become possible to address this topic with first-principle lattice QCD investigations. In this talk, we focus on the so-called pseudo-distribution approach to determine the isovector unpolarized PDFs. In particular, we employ three lattice spacings to study discretization effects and extract the distributions in the continuum limit, at a pion mass of around 370 MeV. Also, for the first time with pseudo-PDFs, we explore effects of the 2-loop matching from pseudo- to light-cone distributions.