Paper detail

Measuring transverse size with virtual photons

Fourier transforming the virtual photon transverse momentum in γ*(q)+N \to f processes allows new insight into hadron dynamics as a function of impact parameter b. I discuss how previous analyses of charge density based on elastic and transition form factors (f=N, N*) can be generalized to any multi-hadron final state (f=πN, ππN, \bar D Λ_c,...). The b-distribution determines the transverse positions of the quarks that the photon couples to, and can be studied as a function of multiplicity, the relative transverse momenta, quark masses and polarization. The method requires no factorization nor leading twist approximation. Data with spacelike photon virtualities in the range 0 < Q < Q_{max} provides a resolution Δb > 1/Q_{max} in impact parameter.