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Semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering on a polarized spin-1 target. I. Cross section and spin observables

W. Cosyn1,* and C. Weiss2,†

  • *Contact author: wcosyn@fiu.edu
  • †Contact author: weiss@jlab.org
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Phys. Rev. C 114, 025201 – Published 3 August, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/cwp5-7c96

Abstract

We develop the theoretical framework for semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering on a polarized spin-1 target and apply it to scattering on the polarized deuteron with spectator nucleon tagging. In Part I (this article) we present the general form of the semi-inclusive cross section and polarization observables for the spin-1 target. A relativistically covariant formulation in terms of four-vectors and invariant polarization parameters is employed. The target polarization is described by a spin density matrix with vector and tensor polarization. The spin and azimuthal angle dependence of the semi-inclusive cross section is derived and parametrized in terms of invariant structure functions. To validate the result, the structure functions are expressed as photon-target helicity amplitudes with known symmetry properties. The expressions presented here are kinematic (no assumptions about particle production dynamics) and valid in all regions of the deep-inelastic final state (current and target fragmentation regions). In Part II (following article), we consider deep-inelastic scattering on the polarized deuteron with spectator nucleon tagging as a special case of target fragmentation. The semi-inclusive structure functions are computed by separating nuclear and hadronic structure, and the polarization observables are explored as functions of the tagged nucleon momentum.

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Semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering on a polarized spin-1 target. II. Deuteron and spectator nucleon tagging

W. Cosyn and C. Weiss
Phys. Rev. C 114, 025202 (2026)

Article Text

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Phys. Rev. C 114, 025201– Published 3 August, 2026
  • Received 13 April 2026
  • Revised 31 May 2026
  • Accepted 18 June 2026
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