Speaker
Garth Huber
(University of Regina)
Description
In Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), the elastic form factor of the charged pion is unique in that it can be rigorously calculated perturbatively in the limit of
asymptotically large momentum transfer. However, the lack of a "free pion"
target makes experimental studies of this quantity challenging, and one must
make measurements using the virtual pion cloud of the nucleon via pion
electroproduction. The kaon is a similar object, and experimental measurements
of the ratio of the kaon and pion form factors versus $Q^2$ are of significant
interest.
This talk will describe the pion and kaon form factor program at Jefferson Lab,
where experiments at 6 GeV have provided precise measurements of the pion form
factor at moderate momentum transfers. Upcoming measurements using the
upgraded 12 GeV beam and Hall C facilities will allow us to extend these
measurements to even larger momentum transfer.
Primary author
Garth Huber
(University of Regina)
