The structure of hadronic form factors at high energies and their deviations from perturbative quantum chromodynamics provide insight on nonperturbative dynamics. Using an approach that is consistent with dispersion relations, we construct a model that simultaneously accounts for the pion wave function, gluonic exchanges, and quark Reggeization. In particular, we find that quark Reggeization can be investigated at high energies by studying scaling violation of the form factor.

This document presents the initial scientific case for upgrading the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Lab (JLab) to 22 GeV. It is the result of a community effort, incorporating insights from a series of workshops conducted between March 2022 and April 2023. With a track record of over 25 years in delivering the world's most intense and precise multi-GeV electron beams, CEBAF's potential for a higher energy upgrade presents a unique opportunity for an innovative nuclear physics program, which seamlessly integrates a rich historical background with a promising future. The proposed physics program encompass a diverse range of investigations centered around the nonperturbative dynamics inherent in hadron structure and the exploration of strongly interacting systems. It builds upon the exceptional capabilities of CEBAF in high-luminosity operations, the availability of existing or planned Hall equipment, and recent advancements in accelerator technology. The proposed program cover various scientific topics, including Hadron Spectroscopy, Partonic Structure and Spin, Hadronization and Transverse Momentum, Spatial Structure, Mechanical Properties, Form Factors and Emergent Hadron Mass, Hadron-Quark Transition, and Nuclear Dynamics at Extreme Conditions, as well as QCD Confinement and Fundamental Symmetries. Each topic highlights the key measurements achievable at a 22 GeV CEBAF accelerator. Furthermore, this document outlines the significant physics outcomes and unique aspects of these programs that distinguish them from other existing or planned facilities. In summary, this document provides an exciting rationale for the energy upgrade of CEBAF to 22 GeV, outlining the transformative scientific potential that lies within reach, and the remarkable opportunities it offers for advancing our understanding of hadron physics and related fundamental phenomena.

Inclusive production processes will be important for the first observations of XYZ states at new generation electron-hadron colliders, as they generally benefit from larger cross sections than their exclusive counterparts. We make predictions of semi-inclusive photoproduction of the χc1(1P) and X(3872), whose peripheral production is assumed to be dominated by vector exchanges. We validate the applicability of vector meson dominance in the axial-vector charmonium sector and calculate production rates at center-of-mass energies relevant for future experimental facilities. We find the semi-inclusive cross sections near the threshold to be enhanced by a factor of ∼2–3 compared to the exclusive reaction and well-suited for a first observation in photoproduction. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

We study the decay J=& psi; & RARR; & pi; thorn & pi;-& pi;0 within the framework of the Khuri-Treiman equations. We find that the BESIII experimental dipion mass distribution in the & rho;o770 thorn -region is well reproduced with a once-subtracted P-wave amplitude. Furthermore, we show that F-wave contributions to the amplitude improve the description of the data in the & pi;& pi; mass region around 1.5 GeV. We also present predictions for the J=& psi; & RARR; & pi;0 & gamma;* transition form factor.

The study of $J/\psi$ photoproduction at low energies has consequences for the understanding of multiple aspects of nonperturbative QCD, ranging from mechanical properties of the proton, to the binding inside nuclei, and the existence of hidden-charm pentaquarks. Factorization of the photon-$c \bar c$ and nucleon dynamics or Vector Meson Dominance are often invoked to justify these studies. Alternatively, open charm intermediate states have been proposed as the dominant mechanism underlying $J/\psi$ photoproduction. As the latter violates this factorization, it is important to estimate the relevance of such contributions. We analyse the latest differential and integrated photoproduction cross sections from the GlueX and $J/\psi$-007 experiments. We show that the data can be adequately described by a small number of partial waves, which we parameterize with generic models enforcing low-energy unitarity. The results suggest a nonnegligible contribution from open charm intermediate states. Furthermore, most of the models present an elastic scattering length incompatible with previous extractions based on Vector Meson Dominance, and thus call into question its applicability to heavy mesons. Our results indicate a wide array of physics possibilities that are compatible with present data and need to be disentangled.

We describe the formalism to analyze the mathematical ambiguities arising in partial-wave analysis of two spinless mesons produced with a linearly polarized photon beam. We show that partial waves are uniquely defined when all accessible observables are considered, for a wave set which includes S and D waves. The inclusion of higher partial waves does not affect our results, and we conclude that there are no mathematical ambiguities in partial-wave analysis of two mesons produced with a linearly polarized photon beam. We present Monte Carlo simulations to illustrate our results.

We study the decay J/ψ→π^+π^-π^0 within the framework of the Khuri-Treiman equations. We find that the BESIII experimental di-pion mass distribution in the ρ(770)-region is well reproduced with a once-subtracted P-wave amplitude. Furthermore, we show that F-wave contributions to the amplitude improve the description of the data in the ππ mass region around 1.5 GeV. We also present predictions for the J/ψ→π^0γ^* transition form factor.