Parton Distributions in Nucleons and Nuclei
Abstract
We review the current status of Parton Distribution Function (PDF) determinations for unpolarized and longitudinally polarized protons and for unpolarized nuclei, which are probed by high-energy hadronic scattering in perturbative Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD). We present the established theoretical framework, the experimental information, and the methodological aspects inherent to any modern PDF extraction. Furthermore, we summarize the present knowledge of PDFs and discuss their limitations in both accuracy and precision relevant to advance our understanding of QCD proton substructure and pursue our quest for precision in the Standard Model and beyond. In this respect, we highlight various achievements, discuss contemporary issues in PDF analyses, and outline future directions of progress.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2001.07722,
title = {Parton Distributions in Nucleons and Nuclei},
author = {Jacob J. Ethier and Emanuele R. Nocera},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2001.07722},
year = {2020}
}
Comments
34 pages, 5 figures, 2 tables; invited review submitted to Annual Review of Nuclear and Particle Science, Vol.70 (2020); version accepted for publication; various references updated; improved discussion on implications for astroparticle physics