Towards the three-dimensional parton structure of the pion: Integrating transverse momentum data into global QCD analysis

We perform a new Monte Carlo QCD analysis of pion parton distribution functions, including, for the first time, transverse momentum dependent pion-nucleus Drell-Yan cross sections together with p(T)-integrated Drell-Yan and leading neutron electroproduction data from HERA. We assess the sensitivity of the Monte Carlo fits to kinematic cuts, factorization scale, and parametrization choice, and we discuss the impact of the various datasets on the pion's quark and gluon distributions. This study provides the necessary step towards the simultaneous analysis of collinear and transverse momentum dependent pion distributions and the determination of the pion's three-dimensional structure.

Automated summary

This study presents a new Monte Carlo QCD analysis of pion parton distribution functions, including transverse momentum dependent pion-nucleus Drell-Yan cross sections for the first time. Sensitivity to kinematic cuts, factorization scale, and parametrization choice were assessed, with discussions on the impact of various datasets on the pion's quark and gluon distributions. This research marks a necessary step towards the simultaneous analysis of collinear and transverse momentum dependent pion distributions, leading to the determination of the pion's three-dimensional structure.