Valence quark ratio in the proton

Beginning with precise data on the ratio of structure functions in deep inelastic scattering (DIS) from $^3$He and $^3$H, collected on the domain $0.19 leq x_B leq 0.83$, where $x_B$ is the Bjorken scaling variable, we employ a robust method for extrapolating such data to arrive at a model-independent result for the $x_B=1$ value of the ratio of neutron and proton structure functions. Combining this with information obtained in analyses of DIS from nuclei, corrected for target-structure dependence, we arrive at a prediction for the protons valence-quark ratio: $left. d_v/u_v right|_{x_Bto 1} = 0.230 (57)$. Requiring consistency with this result presents a challenge to many descriptions of proton structure.

Pion charge radius from pion+electron elastic scattering data

With the aim of extracting the pion charge radius, we analyse extant precise pion+electron elastic scattering data on $Q^2 in [0.015,0.144],$GeV$^2$ using a method based on interpolation via continued fractions augmented by statistical sampling. The scheme avoids any assumptions on the form of function used for the representation of data and subsequent extrapolation onto $Q^2simeq 0$. Combining results obtained from the two available data sets, we obtain $r_pi = 0.640(7),$fm, a value $2.4,sigma$ below todays commonly quoted average. The tension may be relieved by collection and similar analysis of new precise data that densely cover a domain which reaches well below $Q^2 = 0.015,$GeV$^2$. Considering available kaon+electron elastic scattering data sets, our analysis reveals that they contain insufficient information to extract an objective result for the charged-kaon radius, $r_K$. New data with much improved precision, low-$Q^2$ reach and coverage are necessary before a sound result for $r_K$ can be recorded.

Heavy+light pseudoscalar meson semileptonic transitions

A symmetry-preserving regularisation of a vector$times$vector contact interaction (SCI) is used to deliver a unified treatment of semileptonic transitions involving $pi$, $K$, $D_{(s)}$, $B_{(s,c)}$ initial states. The framework is characterised by algebraic simplicity, few parameters, and the ability to simultaneously treat systems from Nambu-Goldstone modes to heavy+heavy mesons. Although the SCI form factors are typically somewhat stiff, the results are comparable with experiment and rigorous theory results. Hence, predictions for the five unmeasured $B_{s,c}$ branching fractions should be a reasonable guide. The analysis provides insights into the effects of Higgs boson couplings via current-quark masses on the transition form factors; and results on $B_{(s)}to D_{(s)}$ transitions yield a prediction for the Isgur-Wise function in fair agreement with contemporary data.

Masses of positive- and negative-parity hadron ground-states, including those with heavy quarks

A symmetry-preserving treatment of a vector$times$vector contact interaction is used to compute spectra of ground-state $J^P = 0^pm, 1^pm$ $(fbar g)$ mesons, their partner diquark correlations, and $J^P=1/2^pm, 3/2^pm$ $(fgh)$ baryons, where $f,g,h in {u,d,s,c,b}$. Results for the leptonic decay constants of all mesons are also obtained, including scalar and pseudovector states involving heavy quarks. The spectrum of baryons produced by this chiefly algebraic approach reproduces the 64 masses known empirically or computed using lattice-regularised quantum chromodynamics with an accuracy of 1.4(1.2)%. It also has the richness of states typical of constituent-quark models and predicts many baryon states that have not yet been observed. The study indicates that dynamical, nonpointlike diquark correlations play an important role in all baryons; and, typically, the lightest allowed diquark is the most important component of a baryons Faddeev amplitude.

Nucleon elastic form factors at accessible large spacelike momenta

A Poincare-covariant quark+diquark Faddeev equation is used to compute nucleon elastic form factors on $0leq Q^2leq 18 ,m_N^2$ ($m_N$ is the nucleon mass) and elucidate their role as probes of emergent hadronic mass in the Standard Model. The calculations expose features of the form factors that can be tested in new generation experiments at existing facilities, e.g. a zero in $G_E^p/G_M^p$; a maximum in $G_E^n/G_M^n$; and a zero in the protons $d$-quark Dirac form factor, $F_1^d$. Additionally, examination of the associated light-front-transverse number and anomalous magnetisation densities reveals, inter alia: a marked excess of valence $u$-quarks in the neighbourhood of the protons centre of transverse momentum; and that the valence $d$-quark is markedly more active magnetically than either of the valence $u$-quarks. The calculations and analysis also reveal other aspects of nucleon structure that could be tested with a high-luminosity accelerator capable of delivering higher beam energies than are currently available.

Elastic electromagnetic form factors of vector mesons

A symmetry-preserving approach to the two valence-body continuum bound-state problem is used to calculate the elastic electromagnetic form factors of the $rho$-meson and subsequently to study the evolution of vector-meson form factors with current-quark mass. To facilitate a range of additional comparisons, $K^ast$ form factors are also computed. The analysis reveals that: vector mesons are larger than pseudoscalar mesons; composite vector mesons are non-spherical, with magnetic and quadrupole moments that deviate $sim 30$% from point-particle values; in many ways, vector-meson properties are as much influenced by emergent mass as those of pseudoscalars; and vector meson electric form factors possess a zero at spacelike momentum transfer. Qualitative similarities between the electric form factors of the $rho$ and the proton, $G_E^p$, are used to argue that the character of emergent mass in the Standard Model can force a zero in $G_E^p$. Morover, the existence of a zero in vector meson electric form factors entails that a single-pole vector meson dominance model can only be of limited use in estimating properties of off-shell vector mesons, providing poor guidance for systems in which the Higgs-mechanism of mass generation is dominant.