Numerical simulations for the exploration of pion structure beyond the leading twist

The non-perturbative component of the cross-section of high-energy processes may be expanded in terms of the process's large energy scale. This classifies parton distribution functions (PDFs) and their generalizations by their twist (mass dimension minus spin). The leading twist (twist-2) contributions have been at the center of experimental measurements, theoretical investigations, and lattice QCD calculations. It has been recognized that twist-3 contributions to distribution functions can be sizable. However, it is challenging to disentangle them experimentally from their leading counterparts, posing limitations on the structure of hadrons, such as the pion and the proton. Here, we will present preliminary results on the x-dependence of the pion twist-3 PDFs. The lattice QCD calculations have been performed using the LaMET method, which relates lattice matrix elements to light-cone PDFs. We implement one ensemble of two degenerate light, a strange and a charm quark (Nf=2+1+1) of maximally twisted mass fermions, reproducing a pion mass of 260 MeV.