Exploring the Potential Role of Diquarks in Hadronization Using Semi-inclusive Deep Inelastic Scattering on Nuclear Targets

Hadronization, which is the process by which an energetic colored quark evolves into a color-singlet hadron in Quantum Chromodynamics, can be studied both in small nuclei and large nuclei, and the comparison of the differences between those two systems provides information about the hadronization mechanisms on femtometer distance scales. It can be argued that this process is well understood for light meson production on nuclei, but data from HERMES and CLAS for baryon production present puzzling patterns that are not well described by models. Herein we suggest that this might be due to the presence of diquarks in the protons and neutrons making up these nuclei.

Automated summary

Hadronization is the process of an energetic colored quark evolving into a color-singlet hadron, which can be studied in both small and large nuclei to understand the mechanisms on femtometer distance scales. While light meson production on nuclei is well understood, baryon production presents puzzling patterns that may be attributed to the presence of diquarks in protons and neutrons.