Electromagnetic Form Factor Ratio Research Articles

Measurement of polarization transfer in the quasi-elastic [formula omitted] process

Polarization transfer to a bound proton in polarized electron knock-out reactions, A(e→,e′p→), is a powerful tool to look for an in-medium modification of the bound proton. It requires comparison to calculations that consider the many-body effects accompanying the quasi-free process. We report here measured components Px′, Pz′, and their ratio Px′/Pz′, of polarization transfer to protons bound in Ca40, which is described well by the shell model and for which reliable calculations are available. While the calculations capture the essence of the data, our statistical precision allows us to observe deviations that cannot be explained by simple scaling, including by varying the proton electromagnetic form factor ratio GE/GM. We further explore the deviations of the ratio of the polarization transfer components from that of a free proton, (Px′/Pz′)A/(Px′/Pz′)H, and its dependence on the bound-proton virtuality.

Measurements of the Electric and Magnetic Form Factors of the Neutron for Timelike Momentum Transfer.

We present the first measurements of the electric and magnetic form factors of the neutron in the timelike (positive q^{2}) region as function of four-momentum transfer. We explored the differential cross sections of the reaction e^{+}e^{-}→n[over ¯]n with data collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII accelerator, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 354.6 pb^{-1} in total at twelve center-of-mass energies between sqrt[s]=2.0-2.95 GeV. A relative uncertainty of 18% and 12% for the electric and magnetic form factors, respectively, is achieved at sqrt[s]=2.3935 GeV. Our results are comparable in accuracy to those from electron scattering in the comparable spacelike region of four-momentum transfer. The electromagnetic form factor ratio R_{em}≡|G_{E}|/|G_{M}| is within the uncertainties close to unity. We compare our result on |G_{E}| and |G_{M}| to recent model predictions, and the measurements in the spacelike region to test the analyticity of electromagnetic form factors.

Polarization transfer in $$\varvec{e}^+p \rightarrow e^+ \varvec{p}$$ scattering using the Super BigBite Spectrometer

The effects of multi-photon-exchange and other higher-order QED corrections on elastic electron-proton scattering have been a subject of high experimental and theoretical interest since the polarization transfer measurements of the proton electromagnetic form factor ratio \(G_E^p/G_M^p\) at large momentum transfer \(Q^2\) conclusively established the strong decrease of this ratio with \(Q^2\) for \(Q^2 \gtrsim 1\) \(\hbox {GeV}^2\). This result is incompatible with previous extractions of this quantity from cross section measurements using the Rosenbluth Separation technique. Much experimental attention has been focused on extracting the two-photon exchange (TPE) effect through the unpolarized \(e^+p/e^-p\) cross section ratio, but polarization transfer in polarized elastic scattering can also reveal evidence of hard two-photon exchange. Furthermore, it has a different sensitivity to the generalized TPE form factors, meaning that measurements provide new information that cannot be gleaned from unpolarized scattering alone. Both \(\epsilon \)-dependence of polarization transfer at fixed \(Q^2\), and deviations between electron-proton and positron-proton scattering are key signatures of hard TPE. A polarized positron beam at Jefferson Lab would present a unique opportunity to make the first measurement of positron polarization transfer, and comparison with electron-scattering data would place valuable constraints on hard TPE. Here, we propose a measurement program in Hall A that combines the Super BigBite Spectrometer for measuring recoil proton polarization, with a non-magnetic calorimetric detector for triggering on elastically scattered positrons. Though the reduced beam current of the positron beam will restrict the kinematic reach, this measurement will have very small systematic uncertainties, making it a clean probe of TPE.

Measurement of Proton Electromagnetic Form Factors in e^{+}e^{-}→pp[over ¯] in the Energy Region 2.00-3.08GeV.

The process of e^{+}e^{-}→pp[over ¯] is studied at 22 center-of-mass energy points (sqrt[s]) from 2.00 to 3.08GeV, exploiting 688.5 pb^{-1} of data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider. The Born cross section (σ_{pp[over ¯]}) of e^{+}e^{-}→pp[over ¯] is measured with the energy-scan technique and it is found to be consistent with previously published data, but with much improved accuracy. In addition, the electromagnetic form-factor ratio (|G_{E}/G_{M}|) and the value of the effective (|G_{eff}|), electric (|G_{E}|), and magnetic (|G_{M}|) form factors are measured by studying the helicity angle of the proton at 16 center-of-mass energy points. |G_{E}/G_{M}| and |G_{M}| are determined with high accuracy, providing uncertainties comparable to data in the spacelike region, and |G_{E}| is measured for the first time. We reach unprecedented accuracy, and precision results in the timelike region provide information to improve our understanding of the proton inner structure and to test theoretical models which depend on nonperturbative quantum chromodynamics.

Electromagnetic form factors of Λ hyperon in the vector meson dominance model

We perform an analysis on the electromagnetic form factors of the $\Lambda$ hyperon in the time-like reaction $e^+e^-\rightarrow \Lambda\bar\Lambda$ by using a modified vector meson dominance model. We consider both the intrinsic structure components and the meson clouds components. For the latter one, we not only include the contributions from the $\phi$ and $\omega$ mesons, but also take into account the contributions from the resonance states $\omega(1420)$, $\omega(1650)$, $\phi(1680)$ and $\phi(2170)$. We extract the model parameters by combined fit to the time-like effective form factor $|G_{\rm{eff}}|$, the electromagnetic form factor ratio $|G_E/G_M|$ and the relative phase $\Delta\Phi$ of the $\Lambda$ hyperon from the BaBar and BESIII Collaborations. We find that the vector meson dominance model can simultaneously describe these observables. Particularly, the inclusion of the resonance states in the model is necessary for explaining the ratio $|G_E/G_M|$ in a wide range of $\sqrt{s}$ as well as the large phase angle. With the fitted parameters, we predict the single and double polarization observables, which could be measured in polarized annihilation reactions. Moreover, we analytically continue the expression of the form factors to space-like region and estimate the space-like form factors of $\Lambda$ hyperon.

Technical supplement to “Polarization transfer observables in elastic electron-proton scattering at [formula omitted] and [formula omitted

The GEp-III and GEp-2γ experiments, carried out in Jefferson Lab’s Hall C from 2007–2008, consisted of measurements of polarization transfer in elastic electron–proton scattering at momentum transfers of Q2=2.5,5.2,6.8, and 8.54 GeV 2. These measurements were carried out to improve knowledge of the proton electromagnetic form factor ratio R=μpGEp∕GMp at large values of Q2 and to search for effects beyond the Born approximation in polarization transfer observables at Q2=2.5GeV2. The final results of both experiments were reported in a recent archival publication. A full reanalysis of the data from both experiments was carried out in order to reduce the systematic and, for the GEp-2γ experiment, statistical uncertainties. This technical note provides additional details of the final analysis omitted from the main publication, including the final evaluation of the systematic uncertainties.

Real and virtualNN¯pair production near the threshold

Nucleon-antinucleon optical potential, which explains the experimental data for the processes $e^{+}e^{-}\rightarrow p\bar{p}$ and $e^{+}e^{-}\rightarrow\mbox{pions}$ near the threshold of $p\bar{p}$ pair production, is suggested. To obtain this potential we have used the available experimental data for $p\bar{p}$ scattering, $p\bar{p}$ pair production in $e^{+}e^{-}$ annihilation, and the ratio of electromagnetic form factors of a proton in the timelike region. It turns out that final-state interaction via the optical potential allows one to reproduce the available experimental data with good accuracy. Our results for the cross sections of $e^{+}e^{-}\to6\pi$ process near the threshold of $p\bar{p}$ pair production are in agreement with the recent experiments.

Flavour symmetry breaking in the kaon parton distribution amplitude

We compute the kaon's valence-quark (twist-two parton) distribution amplitude (PDA) by projecting its Poincaré-covariant Bethe–Salpeter wave-function onto the light-front. At a scale ζ=2 GeV, the PDA is a broad, concave and asymmetric function, whose peak is shifted 12–16% away from its position in QCD's conformal limit. These features are a clear expression of SU(3)-flavour-symmetry breaking. They show that the heavier quark in the kaon carries more of the bound-state's momentum than the lighter quark and also that emergent phenomena in QCD modulate the magnitude of flavour-symmetry breaking: it is markedly smaller than one might expect based on the difference between light-quark current masses. Our results add to a body of evidence which indicates that at any energy scale accessible with existing or foreseeable facilities, a reliable guide to the interpretation of experiment requires the use of such nonperturbatively broadened PDAs in leading-order, leading-twist formulae for hard exclusive processes instead of the asymptotic PDA associated with QCD's conformal limit. We illustrate this via the ratio of kaon and pion electromagnetic form factors: using our nonperturbative PDAs in the appropriate formulae, FK/Fπ=1.23 at spacelike-Q2=17 GeV2, which compares satisfactorily with the value of 0.92(5) inferred in e+e− annihilation at s=17 GeV2.

Final analysis of proton form factor ratio data atQ2=4.0, 4.8, and 5.6 GeV2

Precise measurements of the proton electromagnetic form factor ratio $R = \mu_p G_E^p/G_M^p$ using the polarization transfer method at Jefferson Lab have revolutionized the understanding of nucleon structure by revealing the strong decrease of $R$ with momentum transfer $Q^2$ for $Q^2 \gtrsim 1$ GeV$^2$, in strong disagreement with previous extractions of $R$ from cross section measurements. In particular, the polarization transfer results have exposed the limits of applicability of the one-photon-exchange approximation and highlighted the role of quark orbital angular momentum in the nucleon structure. The GEp-II experiment in Jefferson Lab's Hall A measured $R$ at four $Q^2$ values in the range 3.5 GeV$^2 \le Q^2 \le 5.6$ GeV$^2$. A possible discrepancy between the originally published GEp-II results and more recent measurements at higher $Q^2$ motivated a new analysis of the GEp-II data. This article presents the final results of the GEp-II experiment, including details of the new analysis, an expanded description of the apparatus and an overview of theoretical progress since the original publication. The key result of the final analysis is a systematic increase in the results for $R$, improving the consistency of the polarization transfer data in the high-$Q^2$ region. This increase is the result of an improved selection of elastic events which largely removes the systematic effect of the inelastic contamination, underestimated by the original analysis.

Low-Q2measurements of the proton form factor ratioμpGE/GM

We present an updated extraction of the proton electromagnetic form factor ratio, mu_p G_E/G_M, at low Q^2. The form factors are sensitive to the spatial distribution of the proton, and precise measurements can be used to constrain models of the proton. An improved selection of the elastic events and reduced background contributions yielded a small systematic reduction in the ratio mu_p G_E/G_M compared to the original analysis.

Recoil Polarization Measurements of the Proton Electromagnetic Form Factor Ratio toQ2=8.5 GeV2

Among the most fundamental observables of nucleon structure, electromagnetic form factors are a crucial benchmark for modern calculations describing the strong interaction dynamics of the nucleon's quark constituents; indeed, recent proton data have attracted intense theoretical interest. In this Letter, we report new measurements of the proton electromagnetic form factor ratio using the recoil polarization method, at momentum transfers Q2=5.2, 6.7, and 8.5 GeV2. By extending the range of Q2 for which G(E)(p) is accurately determined by more than 50%, these measurements will provide significant constraints on models of nucleon structure in the nonperturbative regime.

μpGEp/GMp and qF2p/F1p in a relativistic quark model

The possible zero of the proton electromagnetic form factor ratio G Ep/G Mp is studied within a light-front quark model. The position of the zero is determined by the presence of a hard constituent quark component in the nucleon wave function. The description of the data for the ratios μp G Ep/G Mp and qF 2p/F 1p is improved when the hard-scale component of the nucleon wave function is considered.

Asymptotic behavior of nucleon electromagnetic form factors in time-like region

We study the asymptotic behavior of the ratio of Pauli and Dirac electromagnetic nucleon form factors, $F_2/F_1$, in time-like region for different parametrizations built for the space-like region. We investigate how fast the ratio $F_2/F_1$ approaches the asymptotic limits according to the Phragm\`en-Lindel\"of theorem. We show that the QCD-inspired logarithmic behavior of this ratio results in very far asymptotics, experimentally unachievable. This is also confirmed by the normal component of the nucleon polarization, $P_y$, in $e^++e^-\to N+\bar{N}$ (in collisions of unpolarized leptons), which is a very interesting observable, with respect to this theorem. Finally we observe that the 1/Q parametrization of $F_2/F_1$ contradicts this theorem.

The ratio of proton electromagnetic form factors via recoil polarimetry at [formula omitted

Recoil polarimetry was used to extract the ratio of the proton electromagnetic form factors, μ p G E p / G M p = 0.878 ± 0.064 (stat) ± 0.012 (sys) , at Q 2 = 1.13 ( GeV / c ) 2 from the reaction H 1 ( e → , e p → ) . This was an ancillary measurement in which the proton polarization was determined as part of a larger program utilizing a stand-alone polarimeter designed to measure μ n G E n / G M n . This measurement complements previous recoil polarimetry measurements of μ p G E p / G M p made at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility.

Publisher's Note: Proton elastic form factor ratios toQ2=3.5GeV2by polarization transfer [Phys. Rev. C 71, 055202 (2005)

The ratio of the proton elastic electromagnetic form factors, $G_{Ep}/G_{Mp}$, was obtained by measuring $P_{t}$ and $P_{\ell}$, the transverse and longitudinal recoil proton polarization components, respectively, for the elastic $\vec e p \to e\vec p$ ~reaction in the four-momentum transfer squared range of 0.5 to 3.5 GeV$^2$. In the single-photon exchange approximation, the ratio $G_{Ep}/G_{Mp}$ is directly proportional to the ratio $P_t/P_{\ell}$. The simultaneous measurement of $P_{t}$ and $P_{\ell}$ in a polarimeter reduces systematic uncertainties. The results for the ratio $G_{Ep}/G_{Mp}$ show a systematic decrease with increasing $Q^2$, indicating for the first time a definite difference in the distribution of charge and magnetization in the proton. The data have been re-analyzed and systematic uncertainties have become significantly smaller than previously published results.

Proton elastic form factor ratios toQ2=3.5GeV2by polarization transfer

The ratio of the proton elastic electromagnetic form factors, GEp/GMp, was obtained by measuring Pt and P, the transverse and longitudinal recoil proton polarization components, respectively, for the elastic epepreaction in the four-momentum transfer squared range of 0.5 to 3.5 GeV2. In the single-photon exchange approximation, GEp/GMp is directly proportional to Pt/P. The simultaneous measurement of Pt and P in a polarimeter reduces systematic uncertainties. The results for GEp/GMp show a systematic decrease with increasing Q2, indicating for the first time a definite difference in the distribution of charge and magnetization in the proton. The data have been reanalyzed and their systematic uncertainties have become significantly smaller than those reported previously. (Less)

Ratio of the proton electromagnetic form factors from meson dressing

The Dressed K-matrix Model, developed previously for low- and intermediate-energy Compton scattering, is generalized to calculate the photon-nucleon vertex with a virtual photon and an off-shell nucleon. Using this model, the ratio of the proton electromagnetic form factors is computed. The calculated ratio is in excellent agreement with the ratio measured in polarized electron-proton scattering.

New empirical fits to the proton electromagnetic form factors

Recent measurements of the ratio of the elastic electromagnetic form factors of the proton, ${G}_{\mathrm{Ep}}{/G}_{\mathrm{Mp}},$ using the polarization transfer technique at Jefferson Lab, show that this ratio decreases dramatically with increasing ${Q}^{2},$ in contradiction to previous measurements using the Rosenbluth separation technique. Using these new high quality data as a constraint, we have reanalyzed most of the world $\mathrm{ep}$ elastic cross section data. In this paper, we present a new empirical fit to the reanalyzed data for the proton elastic magnetic form factor in the region $0<{Q}^{2}<30 {\mathrm{GeV}}^{2}.$ As well, we present an empirical fit to the proton electromagnetic form factor ratio, ${G}_{\mathrm{Ep}}{/G}_{\mathrm{Mp}},$ which is valid in the region $0.1<{Q}^{2}<6 {\mathrm{GeV}}^{2}.$

Measurements of the elastic electromagnetic form factor ratioμpGEp/GMpvia polarization transfer

We present measurements of the ratio of the proton elastic electromagnetic form factors, μ_pG_(Ep)/G_(Mp). The Jefferson Lab Hall A Focal Plane Polarimeter was used to determine the longitudinal and transverse components of the recoil proton polarization in ep elastic scattering; the ratio of these polarization components is proportional to the ratio of the two form factors. These data reproduce the observation of Jones et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 1398 (2000)], that the form factor ratio decreases significantly from unity above Q^2=1 GeV^2.

The electromagnetic form factors of the free proton: Surprising new results from JLab

The ratio of the proton elastic electromagnetic form factors, G E G M , has been measured for Q 2 values from 0.5 to 3.5 (GeV/c) 2. The ratio was found to decrease with increasing Q 2, in contrast with an approximately constant value indicated by earlier experiments.