Work

Likelihood of a zero in the proton elastic electric form factor

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Working with the 29 available data on the ratio of proton electric and magnetic form factors, μ p G E p ( Q 2 ) / G M p ( Q 2 ) , and independent of any model or theory of strong interactions, we use the Schlessinger point method to objectively address the question of whether the ratio possesses a zero and, if so, its location. Our analysis predicts that, with 50% confidence, the data are consistent with the existence of a zero in the ratio on Q 2 ≤ 10.37 GeV 2 . The level of confidence increases to 99.9% on Q 2 ≤ 13.06 GeV 2 . Significantly, the likelihood that existing data are consistent with the absence of a zero in the ratio on Q 2 ≤ 14.49 GeV 2 is 1/1-million.

Source: Physics Letters B

DOI: 10.1016/j.physletb.2025.139323

Authors: Peng Cheng, Zhao-Qian Yao, Daniele Binosi, Craig D. Roberts

Institutions: Anhui Normal University, Universidad de Huelva, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, European Centre for Theoretical Studies in Nuclear Physics and Related Areas, Nanjing University

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Chromodynamics and Particle Interactions

Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond