Extension of worldline computational algorithms for QCD to open fermionic contours

The worldline casting of a gauge field system with spin-1/2 matter fields has provided a, particle-based, first quantization formalism in the framework of which the Bern-Kosower algorithms for efficient computations in QCD acquire a simple interpretation. This paper extends the scope of applicability of the worldline scheme so as to include open fermionic paths. Specific algorithms are established which address themselves to the fermionic propagator and which are directly applicable to any other process involving external fermionic states. It is also demonstrated that in this framework the sole agent of dynamics operating in the system is the Wilson line (loop) operator, which makes a natural entrance in the worldline action; everything else is associated with geometrical properties of particle propagation, of which the most important component is Polyakov's spin factor.Comment: 24 page

Spin microscopy with enhanced Wilson lines in the TMD parton densities

We discuss the possibility of non-minimal gauge invariance of transverse-momentum-dependent parton densities (TMDs) that allows direct access to the spin degrees of freedom of fermion fields entering the operator definition of (quark) TMDs. This is achieved via enhanced Wilson lines that are supplied with the spin-dependent Pauli term $\sim F^{\mu\nu}[\gamma_\mu, \gamma_\nu]$, thus providing an appropriate tool for the "microscopic" investigation of the spin and color structure of TMDs. We show that this generalization leaves the leading-twist TMD properties unchanged but modifies those of twist three by contributing to their anomalous dimensions. We also comment on Collins' recent criticism of our approach.Comment: 4 pages. Presented at the XIV Workshop on High Energy Spin Physics, 20-24 Sept 2011, Dubna, Russi