Q^2 dependence of diffractive vector meson electroproduction

TL;DR

This paper derives a general formula for the cross section of diffractive vector meson electroproduction, compares Q^2 dependence with HERA data, and predicts polarization ratios, advancing understanding of Q^2 effects in diffractive processes.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive formula for the cross section and incorporates skewed gluon distributions, providing new insights into Q^2 dependence and polarization ratios in diffractive vector meson production.

Findings

Q^2 dependence matches HERA data for rho and J/psi

Predictions for sigma_L/sigma_T ratios are provided

Characteristic Q^2 behavior linked to skewed gluon distributions

Abstract

We give a general formula for the cross section for diffractive vector meson electroproduction, gamma^* p -> Vp. We first calculate diffractive qqbar production, and then use parton-hadron duality by projecting out the J^P = 1^- state in the appropriate mass interval. We compare the Q^2 dependence of the cross section for the diffractive production of rho and J/psi mesons with recent HERA data. We include the characteristic Q^2 dependence associated with the use of the skewed gluon distribution. We give predictions for sigma_L/sigma_T for both rho and J/psi production.