Mass corrections to scaling in deep inelastic processes

Abstract

We study subasymptotic hadron target and quark-parton mass corrections to scaling in deep inelastic scattering, ignoring interactions. The results can be summarized using a modified scaling variable common to parton, light-cone and short-distance operator product expansion formalisms, but with model-dependent spectral conditions. The analysis is expected to break down near the kinematic boundaries because of the bound state nature of hadrons. Related effects probably also dominate mass corrections due to very light quarks, but the analysis should be applicable to the production of new heavy quarks in neutrino production. Experimental deviations from scaling in deep inelastic electroproduction do not seem to be describable in terms of mass corrections alone, suggesting that interaction effects may be important at large momentum transfers as suggested by the renormalization group.