Spin and angular momentum in the nucleon

Using the covariant spectator theory (CST), we present the results of a valence quark-diquark model calculation of the nucleon structure function f(x) measured in unpolarized deep inelastic scattering (DIS), and the structure functions g1(x) and g2(x) measured in DIS using polarized beams and targets. Parameters of the wave functions are adjusted to fit all the data. The fit fixes both the shape of the wave functions and the relative strength of each component. Two solutions are found that fit f(x) and g1(x), but only one of these gives a good description of g2(x). This fit requires the nucleon CST wave functions contain a large D-wave component (about 35%) and a small P-wave component (about 0.6%). The significance of these results is discussed.Comment: 27 pages; 13 figure

Fixed-axis polarization states: covariance and comparisons

Addressing the recent criticisms of Kvinikhidze and Miller, we prove that the spectator wave functions and currents based on ``fixed-axis'' polarization states (previously introduced by us) are Lorentz covariant, and find an explicit connection between them and conventional direction-dependent polarization states. The discussion shows explicitly how it is possible to construct pure $S$-wave models of the nucleon.Comment: Changed title and introductory material to match accepted pape

Covariant nucleon wave function with S, D, and P-state components

Expressions for the nucleon wave functions in the covariant spectator theory (CST) are derived. The nucleon is described as a system with a off-mass-shell constituent quark, free to interact with an external probe, and two spectator constituent quarks on their mass shell. Integrating over the internal momentum of the on-mass-shell quark pair allows us to derive an effective nucleon wave function that can be written only in terms of the quark and diquark (quark-pair) variables. The derived nucleon wave function includes contributions from S, P and D-waves.Comment: 13 pages and 1 figur

Two-pion exchange and strong form-factors in covariant field theories

In this work improvements to the application of the Gross equation to nuclear systems are tested. In particular we evaluate the two pion exchange diagrams, including the crossed-box diagram, using models developed within the spectator-on-mass-shell covariant formalism. We found that the form factors used in these models induce spurious contributions that violate the unitary cut requirement. We tested then some alternative form-factors in order to preserve the unitarity condition. With this new choice, the difference between the exact and the spectator-on-mass-shell amplitudes is of the order of the one boson scalar exchange, supporting the idea that this difference may be parameterized by this type of terms.Comment: RevTeX, 21 pages, 19 figures (PostScript

A pure S-wave covariant model for the nucleon

Using the manifestly covariant spectator theory, and modeling the nucleon as a system of three constituent quarks with their own electromagnetic structure, we show that all four nucleon electromagnetic form factors can be very well described by a manifestly covariant nucleon wave function with zero orbital angular momentum. Since the concept of wave function depends on the formalism, the conclusions of light-cone theory requiring nonzero angular momentum components are not inconsistent with our results. We also show that our model gives a qualitatively correct description of deep inelastic scattering, unifying the phenomenology at high and low momentum transfer. Finally we review two different definitions of nuclear shape and show that the nucleon is spherical in this model, regardless of how shape is defined.Comment: 20 pages and 10 figures; greatly expanded version with new fits and discussion of DIS; similar to published versio

Quark-Antiquark Bound States in the Relativistic Spectator Formalism

The quark-antiquark bound states are discussed using the relativistic spectator (Gross) equations. A relativistic covariant framework for analyzing confined bound states is developed. The relativistic linear potential developed in an earlier work is proven to give vanishing meson$\to$ $q+\bar{q}$ decay amplitudes, as required by confinement. The regularization of the singularities in the linear potential that are associated with nonzero energy transfers (i.e. $q^2=0,q^{\mu}\neq0$) is improved. Quark mass functions that build chiral symmetry into the theory and explain the connection between the current quark and constituent quark masses are introduced. The formalism is applied to the description of pions and kaons with reasonable results.Comment: 31 pages, 16 figure