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Parton distributions in nucleons and nuclei

  • Jacob J. Ethier
  • , Emanuele R. Nocera*
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

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 advancing our understanding of QCD proton substructure and pursuing 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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)43-76
Number of pages34
JournalAnnual Review of Nuclear and Particle Science
Volume70
Early online date2 Jun 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Oct 2020

Funding

FundersFunder number
Horizon 2020 Framework Programme752748

    Keywords

    • Collider physics
    • Future experiments
    • Nuclear medium
    • Parton distribution functions
    • Proton spin
    • Quantum chromodynamics

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