Absolute electron-proton cross sections at low momentum transfer measured with a high pressure gas target system

Abstract

Absolute differential cross sections for elastic electron-proton scattering have been measured in a four-momentum transfer range up to 1.4 fm −2. Using a high pressure gas target system, we have obtained highly accurate data with a small normalization error of 0.5%. The electromagnetic form factors G E and G M have been extracted and the rms charge radius has been determined to be 〈r 2 E 〉 p 1 2 = 0.862±0.012 fm . The shape of the isovector spectral function near threshold shows a significant non-resonant contribution of the two-pion state. This enhancement is so strong that the derivative at q 2 = 0 differs considerably from the usual vector meson dominance model value. This result is in good agreement with theoretical predictions.