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Simplified approach to extracting nucleon transversity in collinear factorization using near-side energy-energy correlators
Pith reviewed 2026-05-08 02:55 UTC · model grok-4.3
The pith
Near-side energy-energy correlators allow extraction of nucleon transversity entirely in collinear factorization.
A machine-rendered reading of the paper's core claim, the machinery that carries it, and where it could break.
Core claim
We develop a novel strategy for accessing the transversity parton distribution function (PDF) of the nucleon within collinear factorization using near-side energy-energy correlators in the dihadron fragmentation framework. We show how this removes the complications of previous approaches that must model either intrinsic parton transverse momentum or resonances in the invariant mass distribution of a final-state dihadron. We present leading-order analytical results for transverse-spin observables in semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering and electron-positron annihilation, highlighting their close similarity to the expressions one uses in extracting (un)polarized PDFs and (single-hadron) f
What carries the argument
Near-side energy-energy correlators in the dihadron fragmentation framework, which permit a purely collinear treatment of transverse-spin observables without transverse-momentum or resonance modeling.
Load-bearing premise
That near-side energy-energy correlators in the dihadron fragmentation framework can be treated entirely within collinear factorization, removing the need to model intrinsic parton transverse momentum or resonances in the dihadron invariant mass distribution.
What would settle it
A measured transverse-spin asymmetry in near-side energy-energy correlators that deviates from the leading-order collinear prediction in semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering kinematics at the Electron-Ion Collider or similar facilities.
Figures
read the original abstract
We develop a novel strategy for accessing the transversity parton distribution function (PDF) of the nucleon within collinear factorization using near-side energy-energy correlators in the dihadron fragmentation framework. We show how this removes the complications of previous approaches that must model either intrinsic parton transverse momentum or resonances in the invariant mass distribution of a final-state dihadron. We present leading-order analytical results for transverse-spin observables in semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering and electron-positron annihilation, highlighting their close similarity to the expressions one uses in extracting (un)polarized PDFs and (single-hadron) fragmentation functions in collinear factorization. We make predictions for kinematics relevant for existing and future facilities that demonstrate the feasibility of an energy-energy correlator program in extracting the transversity PDF.
Editorial analysis
A structured set of objections, weighed in public.
Referee Report
Summary. The manuscript develops a novel strategy to extract the nucleon transversity PDF within collinear factorization by employing near-side energy-energy correlators in the dihadron fragmentation framework. It presents leading-order analytical expressions for transverse-spin observables in semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering and electron-positron annihilation that parallel standard collinear PDF and fragmentation-function extractions, while avoiding explicit modeling of intrinsic parton transverse momentum or dihadron resonances; kinematic predictions for existing and future facilities are included to demonstrate feasibility.
Significance. If the central claim holds, the work offers a simplified collinear-factorization route to transversity that removes common modeling complications, potentially broadening access to this distribution at facilities such as JLab and the EIC. The explicit provision of leading-order analytical results together with their structural similarity to established collinear extractions constitutes a clear strength, as do the concrete, falsifiable kinematic predictions that can be directly confronted with data.
major comments (2)
- [Section on the collinear factorization framework] The manuscript states that the near-side energy-energy correlators can be treated entirely within collinear factorization, but the justification for neglecting any residual transverse-momentum dependence at the boundaries of the near-side region should be made explicit (e.g., by showing the power suppression in the relevant kinematic limit).
- [Section presenting the LO analytical results] The leading-order expressions for the transverse-spin observables are asserted to be closely analogous to standard collinear extractions; an explicit side-by-side comparison with the unpolarized or helicity cases (including the precise kinematic factors) would strengthen this claim and clarify the extraction procedure.
minor comments (3)
- [Abstract and Introduction] The abstract and introduction would benefit from a concise statement of the precise kinematic cuts that define the 'near-side' region.
- [Section on facility predictions] Figure captions for the kinematic predictions should specify the assumed integrated luminosity or statistical precision to allow readers to assess feasibility quantitatively.
- [Discussion or conclusions] A short discussion of the expected size of higher-order corrections or power-suppressed terms would help contextualize the leading-order results.
Simulated Author's Rebuttal
We thank the referee for the positive evaluation of our manuscript and for the constructive suggestions. We address each major comment below and will revise the manuscript accordingly to strengthen the presentation.
read point-by-point responses
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Referee: [Section on the collinear factorization framework] The manuscript states that the near-side energy-energy correlators can be treated entirely within collinear factorization, but the justification for neglecting any residual transverse-momentum dependence at the boundaries of the near-side region should be made explicit (e.g., by showing the power suppression in the relevant kinematic limit).
Authors: We agree that an explicit power-counting argument would strengthen the justification. In the revised version we will add a dedicated paragraph in the collinear-factorization section that demonstrates the suppression of residual transverse-momentum contributions at the near-side boundaries by powers of Lambda/Q (or equivalent kinematic ratios) in the high-Q limit, thereby confirming that the leading-power collinear treatment remains valid throughout the region of interest. revision: yes
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Referee: [Section presenting the LO analytical results] The leading-order expressions for the transverse-spin observables are asserted to be closely analogous to standard collinear extractions; an explicit side-by-side comparison with the unpolarized or helicity cases (including the precise kinematic factors) would strengthen this claim and clarify the extraction procedure.
Authors: We appreciate the suggestion. The revised manuscript will include an explicit side-by-side comparison (in the form of a table or juxtaposed equations) of the leading-order transverse-spin observables against the corresponding unpolarized and helicity expressions, with all kinematic prefactors displayed. This will make the structural analogy and the precise extraction procedure immediately transparent to the reader. revision: yes
Circularity Check
No significant circularity; derivations are self-contained
full rationale
The paper derives leading-order analytical expressions for transverse-spin observables in SIDIS and e+e- annihilation within the collinear factorization framework using near-side energy-energy correlators in the dihadron fragmentation approach. These expressions are shown to parallel standard collinear PDF and fragmentation function extractions without introducing fitted parameters, intrinsic kT modeling, or resonance dependencies at the considered order. No load-bearing step reduces by construction to the inputs via self-definition, self-citation chains, or renaming of known results; the central claim rests on explicit LO calculations that remain independent of the target transversity extraction.
Axiom & Free-Parameter Ledger
axioms (1)
- domain assumption Collinear factorization applies to near-side energy-energy correlators in the dihadron fragmentation framework for transverse-spin observables
Reference graph
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