Next-to-Next-to-Leading Order QCD Corrections to Polarized Semi-Inclusive Deep-Inelastic Scattering

Abstract

Polarized semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering (SIDIS) is a key process in the quest for a resolution of the proton spin puzzle. We present the complete results for the polarized SIDIS process at next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) in perturbative quantum chromodynamics. Our analytical results include all partonic channels for the scattering of polarized leptons off hadrons and a spin-averaged hadron identified in the final state. A numerical analysis of the NNLO corrections illustrates their significance and the reduced residual scale dependence in the kinematic range probed by the future Electron-Ion-Collider EIC.

Figures (3)

• Figure 1: Contributions from all partonic channels to SF $g_1^{\pi^{+}}$ as a function of $x$ for the COMPASS energy $\sqrt{s}=17.4$ GeV.
• Figure 2: Dependence of $g_1^{\pi^{+}}$ on renormalization and factorization scales in 7-point variation of $\mu_R^{2}$ and $\mu_F^{2}$, as a function of $x$ at various values of $Q^2$.
• Figure 3: The ratio of SFs $g_1^{\pi^{+}}/F_1^{\pi^{+}}$ as a function of $x$ for the COMPASS energy $\sqrt{s}=17.4$ GeV. The bands are due to 7-point scale variation.