Recent HERMES Results in Exclusive $\rho$ and $\phi$ Transverse Target Spin Asymmetries

ORAL

Abstract

Recent results from HERMES on transversely polarized hydrogen include exclusive $\pi^+$ Transverse Target Spin Asymmetries (TTSAs), as well as two moments of the L/T separated TTSA for exclusive $\phi$ production. Fourier components of TTSAs provide access to mostly unknown Generalized Parton Distributions (GPDs), which extend our description of the nucleon structure beyond the standard parton distributions. GPDs also allow a model-dependent extraction of the orbital angular moment of quarks in the nucleon. Both the $\pi^+$ and $\phi$ results will be presented, along with recent NLO GPD model predictions. In addition, a new unbinned method for unfolding acceptance and smearing effects will be discussed that provides increased capabilities for future measurements, e.g. $p_T$-weighted TTSA moments and increased precision.

Authors

  • Stephen Gliske

    University of Michigan

  • Wolfgang Lorenzon

    University of Michigan