Search SciRate

A symmetry-preserving analysis of strong interaction quantum field equations is used to complete a unified treatment of pion, kaon, nucleon electromagnetic and gravitational form factors. Findings include a demonstration that the pion near-core pressure is roughly twice that in the proton, so both are significantly greater than that of a neutron star; parton species separations of the nucleon's three gravitational form factors, in which, inter alia, the glue-to-quark ratio for each form factor is seen to take the same constant value, independent of momentum transfer; and a determination of proton radii orderings, with the mechanical (normal force) radius being less than the mass-energy radius, which is less than the proton charge radius. This body of predictions should prove useful in an era of anticipated experiments that will enable them to be tested.

A symmetry preserving treatment of a vector $\otimes$ vector contact interaction (SCI) is used as the basis for calculations of the two pion transverse momentum dependent parton distribution functions (TMDs); namely, that for unpolarised valence degrees-of-freedom and the analogous Boer-Mulders (BM) function. Amongst other things, the analysis enables the following themes to be addressed: the quark current mass dependence of pion TMDs; the impact of the gauge link model on the positivity constraint that bounds the BM function relative to the unpolarised TMD; the equivalence of direct diagrammatic and light-front wave function TMD calculations; and the size of the BM shift. Interpreted astutely, these SCI results enable one to draw insightful pictures of pion TMDs.

A reaction model for $\gamma + p \to J/\psi + p$ photoproduction, which exposes the $c \bar c$ content of the photon in making the transition $\gamma\to c\bar c + \mathbb P \to J/\psi$ and couples the intermediate $c \bar c$ system to the proton's valence quarks via Pomeron ($\mathbb P $) exchange, is used to deliver a description of available data, viz. both differential and total cross sections from near threshold, where data has newly been acquired, to invariant mass $W \approx 300\,$GeV. The study suggests that it is premature to link existing $\gamma + p \to J/\psi + p$ data with, for instance, in-proton gluon distributions, the quantum chromodynamics trace anomaly, or pentaquark production. Further developments in reaction theory and higher precision data are necessary before the validity of any such connections can be assessed.

A symmetry-preserving truncation of the quantum field equations describing hadron properties is used to deliver parameter-free predictions for all nucleon elastic electromagnetic form factors and their flavour separation to large values of momentum transfer, $Q^2$. The proton electric form factor, $G_E^p$, possesses a zero, whereas that of the neutron, $G_E^n$, does not. The difference owes to the behaviour of the Pauli form factor of the proton's singly-represented valence $d$-quark. Consequently, $G_E^n>G_E^p$ on a material large-$Q^2$ domain. These predictions can be tested in modern experiments.

Exploiting crossing symmetry, the hadron scale pion valence quark distribution function is used to predict the kindred elementary valence quark fragmentation function (FF). This function defines the kernel of a quark jet fragmentation equation, which is solved to obtain the full pion FFs. After evolution to a scale typical of FF fits to data, the results for quark FFs are seen to compare favourably with such fits. However, the gluon FF is markedly different. Notably, although FF evolution equations do not themselves guarantee momentum conservation, inclusion of a gluon FF which, for four quark flavours, distributes roughly 11% of the total light-front momentum fraction, is sufficient to restore momentum conservation under evolution. Overall, significant uncertainty is attached to FFs determined via fits to data; hence, the features of the predictions described herein could potentially provide useful guidance for future such studies.

Using a reaction model that incorporates pion bound state effects and continuum results for proton parton distributions and the pion distribution amplitude, $\varphi_\pi$, we deliver parameter-free predictions for the $\mu^+$ angular distributions in $\pi N \to \mu^+ \mu^- X$ reactions on both unpolarised and polarised targets. The analysis indicates that such angular distributions are sensitive to the pointwise form of $\varphi_\pi$ and suggests that unpolarised targets are practically more favourable. The precision of extant data is insufficient for use in charting $\varphi_\pi$; hence, practical tests of this approach to charting $\varphi_\pi$ must await data with improved precision from new-generation experiments. The reaction model yields a nonzero single-spin azimuthal asymmetry, without reference to $T$-odd parton distribution functions (DFs). This may necessitate additional care when attempting to extract such $T$-odd DFs from data.

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.

Parton distribution functions (DFs) are defining expressions of hadron structure. Exploiting the role of effective charges in quantum chromodynamics, an algebraic scheme is described which, given any hadron's valence parton DFs at the hadron scale, delivers predictions for all its DFs -- unpolarised and polarised -- at any higher scale. The scheme delivers results that are largely independent of both the value of the hadron scale and the pointwise form of the charge; and, inter alia, enables derivation of a model-independent identity that relates the strength of the proton's gluon helicity DF, $\Delta G_p^\zeta$, to that of the analogous singlet polarised quark DF and valence quark momentum fraction. Using available data fits and theory predictions, the identity yields $\Delta G_p(\zeta_{\rm C}=\surd 3{\rm GeV})=1.48(10)$. It furthermore entails that the measurable quark helicity contribution to the proton spin is $\tilde a_{0p}^{\zeta_{\rm C}}=0.32(3)$, thereby reconciling contemporary experiment and theory.

Supposing there exists an effective charge which defines an evolution scheme for both unpolarised and polarised parton distribution functions (DFs) that is all-orders exact and using Ansätze for hadron-scale proton polarised valence quark DFs, constrained by flavour-separated axial charges and insights from perturbative quantum chromodynamics, predictions are delivered for all proton polarised DFs at the scale $\zeta_{\rm C}^2 = 3\,$GeV$^2$. The pointwise behaviour of the predicted DFs and, consequently, their moments, compare favourably with results inferred from data. Notably, flavour-separated singlet polarised DFs are small. On the other hand, the polarised gluon DF, $\Delta G(x;\zeta_{\rm C})$, is large and positive. Using our result, we predict $\int_{0.05}^1\,dx\,\Delta G(x;\zeta_{\rm C}) = 0.214(4)$ and that experimental measurements of the proton flavour-singlet axial charge should return $a_0^{\rm E}(\zeta_{\rm C}) = 0.35(2)$.

Existing pion+nucleus Drell-Yan and electron+pion scattering data are used to develop ensembles of model-independent representations of the pion generalised parton distribution (GPD). Therewith, one arrives at a data-driven prediction for the pion mass distribution form factor, $\theta_2$. Compared with the pion elastic electromagnetic form factor, $\theta_2$ is harder: the ratio of the radii derived from these two form factors is $r_\pi^{\theta_2}/r_\pi = 0.79(3)$. Our data-driven predictions for the pion GPD, related form factors and distributions should serve as valuable constraints on theories of pion structure.

Gluons may converge to a stable state at a critical momentum in hadrons. This gluon condensation is predicted by a nonlinear QCD evolution equation. We review the understanding of the gluon condensation and present a clear physical picture that produces the gluon condensation from the colour glass condensate. We summarize the applications of the GC effect in the $p-p(A)$ collisions and predict that the $p-Pb$ and $Pb-Pb$ collisions at the LHC are close to the energy region of the gluon condensation. We warn that for the next generation of hadron colliders with the increasing of the collision energy, the extremely strong gamma-rays will be emitted in a narrow space of the accelerator due to the gluon condensation effect. Such artificial mini gamma-ray bursts in the laboratory may damage the detectors.

Focusing on the continuum meson bound-state problem, a novel method is used to calculate closed-form Bethe-Salpeter kernels that are symmetry consistent with any reasonable gluon-quark vertex, $\Gamma_\nu$, and therewith deliver a Poincaré-invariant treatment of the spectrum and decay constants of the ground- and first-excited states of $u$, $d$, $s$ mesons. The predictions include masses of as-yet unseen states and many unmeasured decay constants. The analysis reveals that a realistic, unified description of meson properties (including level orderings and mass splittings) requires a sound expression of emergent hadron mass in bound-state kernels; alternatively, that such properties may reveal much about the emergence of mass in the standard model.

Octet baryon axial, induced pseudoscalar, and pseudoscalar form factors are computed using a symmetry-preserving treatment of a vector$\,\times\,$vector contact interaction (SCI), thereby unifying them with an array of other baryon properties and analogous treatments of semileptonic decays of pseudoscalar mesons. The baryons are treated as quark--plus--interacting-diquark bound states, whose structure is obtained by solving a Poincaré-covariant Faddeev equation. The approach is marked by algebraic simplicity, involves no free parameters, and since it is symmetry preserving, all consequences of partial conservation of the axial current are manifest. It is found that SCI results are consistent with only small violations of SU$(3)$-flavour symmetry, an outcome which may be understood as a dynamical consequence of emergent hadron mass. The spin-flavour structure of the Poincaré-covariant baryon wave functions is expressed in the presence of both flavour-antitriplet scalar diquarks and flavour-sextet axialvector diquarks and plays a key role in determining all form factors. Considering neutral axial currents, SCI predictions for the flavour separation of octet baryon axial charges and, therefrom, values for the associated SU$(3)$ singlet, triplet, and octet axial charges are obtained. The results indicate that at the hadron scale, $\zeta_{\cal H}$, valence degrees-of-freedom carry roughly 50% of an octet baryon's total spin. Since there are no other degrees-of-freedom at $\zeta_{\cal H}$, the remainder may be associated with quark+diquark orbital angular momentum.

Theory suggests that in high-energy elastic hadron+hadron scattering, $t$-channel exchange of a family of colourless crossing-odd states -- the odderon -- may generate differences between $p\bar p$ and $pp$ cross-sections in the neighbourhood of the diffractive minimum. Using a mathematical approach based on interpolation via continued fractions enhanced by statistical sampling, we develop robust comparisons between $p\bar p$ elastic differential cross-sections measured at $\surd s=1.96\,$TeV by the D0 Collaboration at the Tevatron and function-form-unbiased extrapolations to this energy of kindred $pp$ measurements at $\surd s /{\rm TeV} = 2.76, 7, 8, 13$ by the TOTEM Collaboration at the LHC and a combination of these data with earlier cross-section measurements at $\surd s/{\rm GeV} = 23.5, 30.7, 44.7, 52.8, 62.5$ made at the internal storage rings. Focusing on a domain that straddles the diffractive minimum in the $p\bar p$ and $pp$ cross-sections, we find that these two cross-sections differ at the $(2.2-2.6)\sigma$ level; hence, supply evidence with this level of significance for the existence of the odderon. If combined with evidence obtained through different experiment-theory comparisons, whose significance is reported to lie in the range $(3.4-4.6)\sigma$, one arrives at a $(4.0 - 5.2)\sigma$ signal for the odderon.

Using a symmetry-preserving regularisation of a vector$\times$vector contact interaction (SCI), we complete a systematic treatment of twelve semileptonic transitions with vector meson final states: $D\to \rho$, $D_{(s)}\to K^\ast$, $D_s\to \phi$, $B\to \rho$, $B_s\to K^\ast$, $B_{(s)}\to D_{(s)}^\ast$, $B_c \to B_{(s)}^\ast, J/\psi, D^\ast$; and thereby finalise a unified analysis of semileptonic decays of heavy+heavy and heavy+light pseudoscalar mesons to both pseudoscalar and vector meson final states. The analysis is marked by algebraic simplicity, few parameters, and the ability to consistently describe systems from Nambu-Goldstone modes to heavy+heavy mesons. Regarding the behaviour of the transition form factors, the SCI results compare well wherever sound experimental or independent theory analyses are available; hence, the SCI branching fraction predictions should be a reasonable guide. Considering the ratios $R(D_{(s)}^{(\ast)})$, $R(J/\psi)$, $R(\eta_c)$, whose values are key tests of lepton universality in weak interactions, the SCI values agree with Standard Model predictions. The $B_{(s)}\to D_{(s)}^\ast$ transitions are used to predict the precursor functions that evolve into the universal Isgur-Wise function in the heavy-quark limit, with results that conform with those from other sources where such are available. The study also exposes effects on the transition form factors that flow from interference between emergent hadron mass from the strong interaction and Higgs boson couplings via current-quark masses, including flavour symmetry violation.

Conceptually, radii are amongst the simplest Poincaré-invariant properties that can be associated with hadrons and light nuclei. Accurate values of these quantities are necessary so that one may judge the character of putative solutions to the strong interaction problem within the Standard Model. However, limiting their ability to serve in this role, recent measurements and new analyses of older data have revealed uncertainties and imprecisions in the radii of the proton, pion, kaon, and deuteron. In the context of radius measurement using electron + hadron elastic scattering, the past decade has shown that reliable extraction requires complete elimination of bias associated with practitioner-dependent choices of data fitting functions. Different answers to that challenge have been offered; and this perspective describes the statistical Schlessinger point method (SPM), in unifying applications to proton, pion, kaon, and deuteron radii. Grounded in analytic function theory, independent of assumptions about underlying dynamics, free from practitioner-induced bias, and applicable in the same form to diverse systems and observables, the SPM returns an objective expression of the information contained in any data under consideration. Its robust nature and versatility make it suitable for use in many branches of experiment and theory.

Supposing only that there is an effective charge which defines an evolution scheme for parton distribution functions (DFs) that is all-orders exact, strict lower and upper bounds on all Mellin moments of the valence-quark DFs of pion-like systems are derived. Exploiting contemporary results from numerical simulations of lattice-regularised quantum chromodynamics (QCD) that are consistent with these bounds, parameter-free predictions for pion valence, glue, and sea DFs are obtained. The form of the valence-quark DF at large values of the light-front momentum fraction is consistent with predictions derived using the QCD-prescribed behaviour of the pion wave function.

Analyses of the pion valence-quark distribution function (DF), ${u}^\pi(x;\zeta)$, which explicitly incorporate the behaviour of the pion wave function prescribed by quantum chromodynamics (QCD), predict ${u}^\pi(x\simeq 1;\zeta) \sim (1-x)^{\beta(\zeta)}$, $\beta(\zeta \gtrsim m_p)>2$, where $m_p$ is the proton mass. Nevertheless, more than forty years after the first experiment to collect data suitable for extracting the $x\simeq 1$ behaviour of ${u}^\pi$, the empirical status remains uncertain because some methods used to fit existing data return a result for ${u}^\pi$ that violates this constraint. Such disagreement entails one of the following conclusions: the analysis concerned is incomplete; not all data being considered are a true expression of qualities intrinsic to the pion; or QCD, as it is currently understood, is not the theory of strong interactions. New, precise data are necessary before a final conclusion is possible. In developing these positions, we exploit a single proposition, viz. there is an effective charge which defines an evolution scheme for parton DFs that is all-orders exact. This proposition has numerous corollaries, which can be used to test the character of any DF, whether fitted or calculated.

Continuum Schwinger function methods for the strong-interaction bound-state problem are used to arrive at a unified set of parameter-free predictions for the semileptonic $K\to \pi$, $D\to \pi, K$ and $D_s \to K$, $B_{(s)} \to \pi(K)$ transition form factors and the associated branching fractions. The form factors are a leading source of uncertainty in all such calculations: our results agree quantitatively with available data and provide benchmarks for the hitherto unmeasured $D_s\to K^0$, $\bar B_s \to K^+$ form factors. The analysis delivers a value of $|V_{cs}| = 0.974(10)$ and also predictions for all branching fraction ratios in the pseudoscalar meson sector that can be used to test lepton flavour universality. Quantitative comparisons are provided between extant theory and the recent measurement of ${\cal B}_{B_s^0\to K^- \mu^+ \nu_\mu}$. Here, further, refined measurements would be useful in moving toward a more accurate value of $|V_{ub}|$.

Clear windows onto emergent hadron mass (EHM) and modulations thereof by Higgs boson interactions are provided by observable measures of pion and kaon structure, many of which are accessible via generalised parton distributions (GPDs). Beginning with algebraic GPD Ansaetze, constrained entirely by hadron-scale $\pi$ and $K$ valence-parton distribution functions (DFs), in whose forms both EHM and Higgs boson influences are manifest, numerous illustrations are provided. They include the properties of electromagnetic form factors, impact parameter space GPDs, gravitational form factors and associated pressure profiles, and the character and consequences of all-orders evolution. The analyses predict that mass-squared gravitational form factors are stiffer than electromagnetic form factors; reveal that $K$ pressure profiles are tighter than $\pi$ profiles, with both mesons sustaining near-core pressures at magnitudes similar to that expected at the core of neutron stars; deliver parameter-free predictions for $\pi$ and $K$ valence, glue, and sea GPDs at the resolving scale $\zeta=2$GeV; and predict that at this scale the fraction of meson mass-squared carried by glue and sea combined matches that lodged with the valence degrees-of-freedom, with a similar statement holding for mass-squared radii.

Gluons may converge to a stable state at a critical momentum in nucleon. This gluon condensation will greatly increase the proton-proton cross section provided that the collision energies exceed the gluon condensation threshold. Based on the analyses of cosmic gamma-ray spectra, we find that the $p-Pb$ and $Pb-Pb$ collisions at the LHC are close to the energy region of the gluon condensation effect. We warn that for the next generation of hadron colliders increasing the collision energies, the extremely strong gamma-rays will be emitted in a narrow space of the accelerator due to the gluon condensation effect. Such artificial mini gamma-ray-bursts in the laboratory may damage the detectors.

Using a procedure based on interpolation via continued fractions supplemented by statistical sampling, we analyse proton magnetic form factor data obtained via electron+proton scattering on $Q^2 \in [0.027,0.55]\,$GeV$^2$ with the goal of determining the proton magnetic radius. The approach avoids assumptions about the function form used for data interpolation and ensuing extrapolation onto $Q^2\simeq 0$ for extraction of the form factor slope. In this way, we find $r_M = 0.817(27)\,$fm. Regarding the difference between proton electric and magnetic radii calculated in this way, extant data are seen to be compatible with the possibility that the slopes of the proton Dirac and Pauli form factors, $F_{1,2}(Q^2)$, are not truly independent observables; to wit, the difference $F_1^\prime(0)-F_2^\prime(0)/\kappa_p = [1+\kappa_p]/[4 m_p^2]$, viz. the proton Foldy term.

A hard $\gamma$-ray spectrum of supernova remnant G106.3+2.7 can be explained by using the hadronic model with the gluon condensation effect. This implies that not only PeVatrons but also EeVatrons generally exist in the universe including our galaxy, and they can accelerate protons to beyond "ankle" ($10^{19}~eV$). Although these proton beams are very weak in the galaxy and cannot be observed individually on the earth, the gluon condensation effect may greatly enhance the proton-proton cross section, which can compensate for the weak proton flux and produce the observed $\gamma$-rays. We also show that the gluon condensation effect in proton provides an efficient conversion mechanism for kinetic energy into $\gamma$-rays in the universe.

Beginning with precise data on the ratio of structure functions in deep inelastic scattering (DIS) from $^3$He and $^3$H, collected on the domain $0.19 \leq x_B \leq 0.83$, where $x_B$ is the Bjorken scaling variable, we employ a robust method for extrapolating such data to arrive at a model-independent result for the $x_B=1$ value of the ratio of neutron and proton structure functions. Combining this with information obtained in analyses of DIS from nuclei, corrected for target-structure dependence, we arrive at a prediction for the proton's valence-quark ratio: $\left. d_v/u_v \right|_{x_B\to 1} = 0.230 (57)$. Requiring consistency with this result presents a challenge to many descriptions of proton structure.

With the aim of extracting the pion charge radius, we analyse extant precise pion+electron elastic scattering data on $Q^2 \in [0.015,0.144]\,$GeV$^2$ using a method based on interpolation via continued fractions augmented by statistical sampling. The scheme avoids any assumptions on the form of function used for the representation of data and subsequent extrapolation onto $Q^2\simeq 0$. Combining results obtained from the two available data sets, we obtain $r_\pi = 0.640(7)\,$fm, a value $2.4\,\sigma$ below today's commonly quoted average. The tension may be relieved by collection and similar analysis of new precise data that densely cover a domain which reaches well below $Q^2 = 0.015\,$GeV$^2$. Considering available kaon+electron elastic scattering data sets, our analysis reveals that they contain insufficient information to extract an objective result for the charged-kaon radius, $r_K$. New data with much improved precision, low-$Q^2$ reach and coverage are necessary before a sound result for $r_K$ can be recorded.

The $\gamma^{(\ast)}+p \to N(1535) \tfrac{1}{2}^-$ transition is studied using a symmetry-preserving regularisation of a vector$\,\otimes\,$vector contact interaction (SCI). The framework employs a Poincaré-covariant Faddeev equation to describe the initial and final state baryons as quark+di\-quark composites, wherein the diquark correlations are fully dynamical, interacting with the photon as allowed by their quantum numbers and continually engaging in breakup and recombination as required by the Faddeev kernel. The presence of such correlations owes largely to the mechanisms responsible for the emergence of hadron mass; and whereas the nucleon Faddeev amplitude is dominated by scalar and axial-vector diquark correlations, the amplitude of its parity partner, the $N(1535) \tfrac{1}{2}^-$, also contains sizeable pseudoscalar and vector diquark components. It is found that the $\gamma^{(\ast)}+p \to N(1535) \tfrac{1}{2}^-$ helicity amplitudes and related Dirac and Pauli form factors are keenly sensitive to the relative strengths of these diquark components in the baryon amplitudes, indicating that such resonance electrocouplings possess great sensitivity to baryon structural details. Whilst SCI analyses have their limitations, they also have the virtue of algebraic simplicity and a proven ability to reveal insights that can be used to inform more sophisticated studies in frameworks with closer ties to quantum chromodynamics.

We consider the fidelity of the vector meson dominance (VMD) assumption as an instrument for relating the electromagnetic vector-meson production reaction $e + p \to e^\prime + V + p$ to the purely hadronic process $V + p \to V+p$. Analyses of the photon vacuum polarisation and the photon-quark vertex reveal that such a VMD Ansatz might be reasonable for light vector-mesons. However, when the vector-mesons are described by momentum-dependent bound-state amplitudes, VMD fails for heavy vector-mesons: it cannot be used reliably to estimate either a photon-to-vector-meson transition strength or the momentum dependence of those integrands that would arise in calculations of the different reaction amplitudes. Consequently, for processes involving heavy mesons, the veracity of both cross-section estimates and conclusions based on the VMD assumption should be reviewed, e.g., those relating to hidden-charm pentaquark production and the origin of the proton mass.

Using a systematic, symmetry-preserving continuum approach to the Standard Model strong-interaction bound-state problem, we deliver parameter-free predictions for all semileptonic $B_c \to \eta_c, J/\psi$ transition form factors on the complete domains of empirically accessible momentum transfers. Working with branching fractions calculated therefrom, the following values of the ratios for $\tau$ over $\mu$ final states are obtained: $R_{\eta_c}=0.313(22)$ and $R_{J/\psi}=0.242(47)$. Combined with other recent results, our analysis confirms a $2\sigma$ discrepancy between the Standard Model prediction for $R_{J/\psi}$ and the single available experimental result.

A symmetry-preserving regularisation of a vector$\times$vector contact interaction (SCI) is used to deliver a unified treatment of semileptonic transitions involving $\pi$, $K$, $D_{(s)}$, $B_{(s,c)}$ initial states. The framework is characterised by algebraic simplicity, few parameters, and the ability to simultaneously treat systems from Nambu-Goldstone modes to heavy+heavy mesons. Although the SCI form factors are typically somewhat stiff, the results are comparable with experiment and rigorous theory results. Hence, predictions for the five unmeasured $B_{s,c}$ branching fractions should be a reasonable guide. The analysis provides insights into the effects of Higgs boson couplings via current-quark masses on the transition form factors; and results on $B_{(s)}\to D_{(s)}$ transitions yield a prediction for the Isgur-Wise function in fair agreement with contemporary data.

A symmetry-preserving treatment of a vector$\times$vector contact interaction is used to compute spectra of ground-state $J^P = 0^\pm, 1^\pm$ $(f\bar g)$ mesons, their partner diquark correlations, and $J^P=1/2^\pm, 3/2^\pm$ $(fgh)$ baryons, where $f,g,h \in \{u,d,s,c,b\}$. Results for the leptonic decay constants of all mesons are also obtained, including scalar and pseudovector states involving heavy quarks. The spectrum of baryons produced by this chiefly algebraic approach reproduces the 64 masses known empirically or computed using lattice-regularised quantum chromodynamics with an accuracy of 1.4(1.2)%. It also has the richness of states typical of constituent-quark models and predicts many baryon states that have not yet been observed. The study indicates that dynamical, nonpointlike diquark correlations play an important role in all baryons; and, typically, the lightest allowed diquark is the most important component of a baryon's Faddeev amplitude.

Lepton scattering is an established ideal tool for studying inner structure of small particles such as nucleons as well as nuclei. As a future high energy nuclear physics project, an Electron-ion collider in China (EicC) has been proposed. It will be constructed based on an upgraded heavy-ion accelerator, High Intensity heavy-ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF) which is currently under construction, together with a new electron ring. The proposed collider will provide highly polarized electrons (with a polarization of $\sim$80%) and protons (with a polarization of $\sim$70%) with variable center of mass energies from 15 to 20 GeV and the luminosity of (2-3) $\times$ 10$^{33}$ cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$. Polarized deuterons and Helium-3, as well as unpolarized ion beams from Carbon to Uranium, will be also available at the EicC. The main foci of the EicC will be precision measurements of the structure of the nucleon in the sea quark region, including 3D tomography of nucleon; the partonic structure of nuclei and the parton interaction with the nuclear environment; the exotic states, especially those with heavy flavor quark contents. In addition, issues fundamental to understanding the origin of mass could be addressed by measurements of heavy quarkonia near-threshold production at the EicC. In order to achieve the above-mentioned physics goals, a hermetical detector system will be constructed with cutting-edge technologies. This document is the result of collective contributions and valuable inputs from experts across the globe. The EicC physics program complements the ongoing scientific programs at the Jefferson Laboratory and the future EIC project in the United States. The success of this project will also advance both nuclear and particle physics as well as accelerator and detector technology in China.

We present a novel method for extracting the proton radius from elastic electron-proton ($ep$) scattering data. The approach is based on interpolation via continued fractions augmented by statistical sampling and avoids any assumptions on the form of function used for the representation of data and subsequent extrapolation onto $Q^2\simeq 0$. Applying the method to extant modern $e p$ data sets, we find that all results are mutually consistent and, combining them, arrive at $r_p=0.847(8)\,$fm. This result compares favourably with values obtained from contemporary measurements of the Lamb shift in muonic hydrogen, transitions in electronic hydrogen, and muonic deuterium spectroscopy.

Pion and kaon structural properties provide insights into the emergence of mass within the Standard Model and attendant modulations by the Higgs boson. Novel expressions of these effects, in impact parameter space and in mass and pressure profiles, are exposed via $\pi$ and $K$ generalised parton distributions, built using the overlap representation from light-front wave functions constrained by one-dimensional valence distribution functions that describe available data. Notably, e.g. $K$ pressure profiles are spatially more compact than $\pi$ profiles and both achieve near-core pressures of similar magnitude to that found in neutron stars.

A contact interaction is used to calculate an array of pion twist-two, -three and -four generalised transverse light-front momentum dependent parton distribution functions (GTMDs). Despite the interaction's simplicity, many of the results are physically relevant, amongst them a statement that GTMD size and shape are largely prescribed by the scale of emergent hadronic mass. Moreover, proceeding from GTMDs to generalised parton distributions (GPDs), it is found that the pion's mass distribution form factor is harder than its electromagnetic form factor, which is harder than the gravitational pressure distribution form factor; the pressure in the neighbourhood of the pion's core is commensurate with that at the centre of a neutron star; the shear pressure is maximal when confinement forces become dominant within the pion; and the spatial distribution of transversely polarised quarks within the pion is asymmetric. Regarding transverse momentum dependent distribution functions (TMDs), their magnitude and domain of support decrease with increasing twist. The simplest Wigner distribution associated with the pion's twist-two dressed-quark GTMD is sharply peaked on the kinematic domain associated with valence-quark dominance; has a domain of negative support; and broadens as the transverse position variable increases in magnitude.

Strangeness was discovered roughly seventy years ago, lodged in a particle now known as the kaon, $K$. Kindred to the pion, $\pi$; both states are massless in the absence of Higgs-boson couplings. Kaons and pions are Nature's most fundamental Nambu-Goldstone modes. Their properties are largely determined by the mechanisms responsible for emergent mass in the standard model, but modulations applied by the Higgs are crucial to Universe evolution. Despite their importance, little is known empirically about $K$ and $\pi$ structure. This study delivers the first parameter-free predictions for all $K$ distribution functions (DFs) and comparisons with the analogous $\pi$ distributions, i.e. the one-dimensional maps that reveal how the light-front momentum of these states is shared amongst the gluons and quarks from which they are formed. The results should stimulate improved analyses of existing data and motivate new experiments sensitive to all $K$ and $\pi$ DFs.

The topical workshop \it Strong QCD from Hadron Structure Experiments took place at Jefferson Lab from Nov. 6-9, 2019. Impressive progress in relating hadron structure observables to the strong QCD mechanisms has been achieved from the \it ab initio QCD description of hadron structure in a diverse array of methods in order to expose emergent phenomena via quasi-particle formation. The wealth of experimental data and the advances in hadron structure theory make it possible to gain insight into strong interaction dynamics in the regime of large quark-gluon coupling (the strong QCD regime), which will address the most challenging problems of the Standard Model on the nature of the dominant part of hadron mass, quark-gluon confinement, and the emergence of the ground and excited state hadrons, as well as atomic nuclei, from QCD. This workshop aimed to develop plans and to facilitate the future synergistic efforts between experimentalists, phenomenologists, and theorists working on studies of hadron spectroscopy and structure with the goal to connect the properties of hadrons and atomic nuclei available from data to the strong QCD dynamics underlying their emergence from QCD. These results pave the way for a future breakthrough extension in the studies of QCD with an Electron-Ion Collider in the U.S.

A Poincaré-covariant quark+diquark Faddeev equation is used to compute nucleon elastic form factors on $0\leq Q^2\leq 18 \,m_N^2$ ($m_N$ is the nucleon mass) and elucidate their role as probes of emergent hadronic mass in the Standard Model. The calculations expose features of the form factors that can be tested in new generation experiments at existing facilities, e.g. a zero in $G_E^p/G_M^p$; a maximum in $G_E^n/G_M^n$; and a zero in the proton's $d$-quark Dirac form factor, $F_1^d$. Additionally, examination of the associated light-front-transverse number and anomalous magnetisation densities reveals, inter alia: a marked excess of valence $u$-quarks in the neighbourhood of the proton's centre of transverse momentum; and that the valence $d$-quark is markedly more active magnetically than either of the valence $u$-quarks. The calculations and analysis also reveal other aspects of nucleon structure that could be tested with a high-luminosity accelerator capable of delivering higher beam energies than are currently available.

A symmetry-preserving continuum approach to meson bound-states in quantum field theory, employed elsewhere to describe numerous $\pi$- and $K$-meson electroweak processes, is used to analyse leptonic and semileptonic decays of $D_{(s)}$ mesons. Each semileptonic transition is conventionally characterised by the value of the dominant form factor at $t=0$ and the following results are obtained herein: $f_+^{D_s\to K}(0) = 0.673(40)$; $f_+^{D\to \pi}(0)=0.618(31)$; and $f_+^{D\to K}(0)=0.756(36)$. Working with the computed $t$-dependence of these form factors and standard averaged values for $|V_{cd}|$, $|V_{cs}|$, one arrives at the following predictions for the associated branching fractions: ${\cal B}_{D_s^+\to K^0 e^+ \nu_e} = 3.31(33)\times 10^{-3}$; ${\cal B}_{D^0\to \pi^- e^+ \nu_e} = 2.73(22)\times 10^{-3}$; and ${\cal B}_{D^0\to K^- e^+ \nu_e} = 3.83(28)$%. Alternatively, using the calculated $t$-dependence, agreement with contemporary empirical results for these branching fractions requires $|V_{cd}|=0.221(9)$, $|V_{us}|=0.953(34)$. With all $D_{(s)}$ transition form factors in hand, the nature of SU$(3)$-flavour symmetry-breaking in this array of processes can be analysed; and just as in the $\pi$-$K$ sector, the magnitude of such effects is found to be determined by the scales associated with emergent mass generation in the Standard Model, not those originating with the Higgs mechanism.

Using lattice configurations for quantum chromodynamics (QCD) generated with three domain-wall fermions at a physical pion mass, we obtain a parameter-free prediction of QCD's renormalisation-group-invariant process-independent effective charge, $\hat\alpha(k^2)$. Owing to the dynamical breaking of scale invariance, evident in the emergence of a gluon mass-scale, this coupling saturates at infrared momenta: $\hat\alpha(0)/\pi=0.97(4)$. Amongst other things: $\hat\alpha(k^2)$ is almost identical to the process-dependent (PD) effective charge defined via the Bjorken sum rule; and also that PD charge which, employed in the one-loop evolution equations, delivers agreement between pion parton distribution functions computed at the hadronic scale and experiment. The diversity of unifying roles played by $\hat\alpha(k^2)$ suggests that it is a strong candidate for that object which represents the interaction strength in QCD at any given momentum scale; and its properties support a conclusion that QCD is a mathematically well-defined quantum field theory in four dimensions.

A symmetry-preserving approach to the two valence-body continuum bound-state problem is used to calculate the elastic electromagnetic form factors of the $\rho$-meson and subsequently to study the evolution of vector-meson form factors with current-quark mass. To facilitate a range of additional comparisons, $K^\ast$ form factors are also computed. The analysis reveals that: vector mesons are larger than pseudoscalar mesons; composite vector mesons are non-spherical, with magnetic and quadrupole moments that deviate $\sim 30$\% from point-particle values; in many ways, vector-meson properties are as much influenced by emergent mass as those of pseudoscalars; and vector meson electric form factors possess a zero at spacelike momentum transfer. Qualitative similarities between the electric form factors of the $\rho$ and the proton, $G_E^p$, are used to argue that the character of emergent mass in the Standard Model can force a zero in $G_E^p$. Morover, the existence of a zero in vector meson electric form factors entails that a single-pole vector meson dominance model can only be of limited use in estimating properties of off-shell vector mesons, providing poor guidance for systems in which the Higgs-mechanism of mass generation is dominant.

The task of mapping and explaining the spectrum of baryons and the structure of these states in terms of quarks and gluons is a longstanding challenge in hadron physics, which is likely to persist for another decade or more. We review the progress made in this topic using a functional method based on Dyson-Schwinger equations. This framework provides a non-perturbative, Poincaré-covariant continuum formulation of Quantum Chromodynamics which is able to extract novel insight on baryon properties since the physics at the hadron level is directly related with the underlying quark-gluon substructure, via convolution of Green functions.

We present a unified description of elastic and transition form factors involving the nucleon and its resonances; in particular, the $N(1440)$, $\Delta(1232)$ and $\Delta(1600)$. We compare predictions made using a framework built upon a Faddeev equation kernel and interaction vertices that possess QCD-kindred momentum dependence with results obtained using a confining, symmetry-preserving treatment of a vector$\,\otimes\,$vector contact-interaction in a widely-used leading-order (rainbow-ladder) truncation of QCD's Dyson-Schwinger equations. This comparison explains that the contact-interaction framework produces hard form factors, curtails some quark orbital angular momentum correlations within a baryon, and suppresses two-loop diagrams in the elastic and transition electromagnetic currents. Such defects are rectified in our QCD-kindred framework and, by contrasting the results obtained for the same observables in both theoretical schemes, shows those objects which are most sensitive to the momentum dependence of elementary quantities in QCD.

Electroproduction form factors describing the $\gamma^\ast p \to \Delta^+(1232), \Delta^+(1600)$ transitions are computed using a fully-dynamical diquark-quark approximation to the Poincaré-covariant three-body bound-state problem in relativistic quantum field theory. In this approach, the $\Delta(1600)$ is an analogue of the Roper resonance in the nucleon sector, appearing as the simplest radial excitation of the $\Delta(1232)$. Precise measurements of the $\gamma^\ast p \to \Delta^+(1232)$ transition already exist on $0 \leq Q^2 \lesssim 8\,$GeV$^2$ and the calculated results compare favourably with the data outside the meson-cloud domain. The predictions for the $\gamma^\ast p \to \Delta^+(1600)$ magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole transition form factors are consistent with the empirical values at the real photon point, and extend to $Q^2 \approx 6 m_p^2$, enabling a meaningful direct comparison with experiment once analysis of existing data is completed. In both cases, the electric quadrupole form factor is particularly sensitive to deformation of the $\Delta$-baryons. Interestingly, whilst the $\gamma^\ast p \to \Delta^+(1232)$ transition form factors are larger in magnitude than those for $\gamma^\ast p \to \Delta^+(1600)$ in some neighbourhood of the real photon point, this ordering is reversed on $Q^2 \gtrsim 2 m_p^2$, suggesting that the $\gamma^\ast p \to \Delta^+(1600)$ transition is more localised in configuration space.

The discovery of the Higgs boson with its mass around 125 GeV by the ATLAS and CMS Collaborations marked the beginning of a new era in high energy physics. The Higgs boson will be the subject of extensive studies of the ongoing LHC program. At the same time, lepton collider based Higgs factories have been proposed as a possible next step beyond the LHC, with its main goal to precisely measure the properties of the Higgs boson and probe potential new physics associated with the Higgs boson. The Circular Electron Positron Collider~(CEPC) is one of such proposed Higgs factories. The CEPC is an $e^+e^-$ circular collider proposed by and to be hosted in China. Located in a tunnel of approximately 100~km in circumference, it will operate at a center-of-mass energy of 240~GeV as the Higgs factory. In this paper, we present the first estimates on the precision of the Higgs boson property measurements achievable at the CEPC and discuss implications of these measurements.

It is thought that strong interactions within the Standard Model can generate bound-states in which non-Abelian gauge-bosons play a dual role, serving both as force and matter fields. In this context we introduce a novel approach to the hybrid-meson (valence-gluon+quark+antiquark) bound-state problem in relativistic quantum field theory. Exploiting the existence of strong two-body correlations in the gluon-quark, $q_g=[gq]$, and gluon-antiquark, $\bar q_g=[g\bar q]$ channels, we argue that a sound description of hybrid properties can be obtained by solving a coupled-pair of effectively two-body equations; and, consequently, that hybrids may be viewed as highly-correlated $q_g \bar q \leftrightarrow q \bar q_g$ bound-states. Analogies may be drawn between this picture of hybrid structure and that of baryons, in which quark+quark (diquark) correlations play a key role. The potential of this formulation is illustrated by calculating the spectrum of light-quark isovector hybrid mesons.

We propose a new algorithm to solve the quasi-Wigner solution of the gap equation beyond chiral limit. Employing a Gaussian gluon model and rainbow truncation, we find that the quasi-Wigner solution exists in a limited region of current quark mass, $m<43.1$ MeV, at zero temperature $T$ and zero chemical potential $\mu$. The difference between Cornwall-Jackiw-Tomboulis (CJT) effective actions of quasi-Wigner and Nambu-Goldstone solutions shows that the Nambu-Goldstone solution is chosen by physics. Moreover, the quasi-Wigner solution is studied at finite temperature and chemical potential, the far infrared mass function of quasi-Wigner solution is negative and decrease along with $T$ at $\mu=0$. Its susceptibility is divergent at certain temperature with small $m$, and this temperature decreases along with $m$. Taking $T=80$ MeV as an example, the quasi-Wigner solution is shown at finite chemical potential upto $\mu=350$ MeV as well as Nambu solution, the coexistence of these two solutions indicates that the QCD system suffers the first order phase transition. The first order chiral phase transition line is determined by the difference of CJT effective actions.

Solutions and their evolutions of the quark gap equation are studied within the Nambu-Jona--Lasinio model, which is a basic issue for studying the QCD phase structure and locating the possible critical end point. It is shown that in the chiral limit case of the vacuum, chiral symmetry will hold if the coupling strength $G$ is small, then the system only has the Wigner solution at $M=0$. If increasing $G$, two symmetric minima will appear as the positive and `negative' Nambu solutions, however, the solution $M=0$ now corresponds to a maximum instead of a minimum of the thermodynamical potential, so is not a physically stable state anymore (we call it `pseudo-Wigner solution'). Besides, it is shown that as the current quark mass $m$ increases, the pseudo-Wigner solution will become negative, and disappear together with the negative Nambu solution if $m$ is large enough. Similar things happen if we increase the temperature or quark chemical potential $\mu$. Some interesting phenomenon is, from some $\mu$ a second local minimum will show up. As $\mu$ increases gradually, it will be stabler than the Nambu solution, survives even the Nambu solution disappears, and approaches $m$, which are just the features of the Wigner solution we expect.

Forward photoproduction of $J/\psi$ can be used to extract Generalized Parton Distributions(GPD's) of gluons. We analyze the process at twist-3 level and study relevant classifications of twist-3 gluon GPD's. At leading power or twist-2 level the produced $J/\psi$ is transversely polarized. We find that at twist-3 the produced $J/\psi$ is longitudinally polarized. Our study shows that in high energy limit the twist-3 amplitude is only suppressed by the inverse power of the heavy quark mass relatively to the twist-2 amplitude. This indicates that the power correction to the cross-section of unpolarized $J/\psi$ can have a sizeable effect. We have also derived the amplitude of the production of $h_c$ at twist-3, but the result contains end-point singularities. The production of other quarkonia has been briefly discussed.

The Circular Electron-Positron Collider (CEPC) is a future Higgs factory proposed by the Chinese high energy physics community. It will operate at a center-of-mass energy of 240-250 GeV and is expected to accumulate an integrated luminosity of 5 ab$^{\rm{-1}}$ with ten years of operation. At CEPC, Higgs bosons are dominantly produced from $ZH$ associated process. Vast amount of Higgs events collected will enable precise studies of its properties including Yukawa couplings to massive particles. With \sc GEANT4-based simulation of detector effects, we study CEPC feasibility on measuring Higgs boson decaying into a pair of muons. The results with or without information from Z boson decay products are provided, which show a signal significance of over 10 standard deviations can be achieved and the H-$\mathrm{\mu}$-$\mathrm{\mu}$ coupling can be measured within $10\%$ accuracy.

Within the framework of Dyson-Schwinger equations of QCD, we study the finite volume effects on the chiral phase transition, especially the influence on the position of the possible pseudo-critical end point (pCEP). The results show that in the chiral limit case (the current quark mass $m=0$), the absolute value of quark condensate decreases for smaller volumes, and more interestingly, so does the pseudo-critical temperature $T_c(\mu=0)$, which is in agreement with the Polyakov Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model result and opposite to the Polyakov linear sigma model prediction. These conclusions hold for $m>0$ case in our calculations. Moreover, the results of pCEP as a function of different volumes show that $T$ of pCEP also decreases for smaller volumes, but $\mu$ of pCEP will increase, which are qualitatively more close to Polyakov linear sigma model results. For our model setup, results for systems with a size larger than (5 fm)$^3$ closely approximate those from infinite volume, but if the volume is smaller, the corrections are non-negligible, even significantly affect signatures of the results from an infinite system. There also exists some possibility that, if the system size is too small, the whole phase transition would be crossover, which means no pCEP exists at all. It is no doubt that, finite volume effects deserve further researches.

The Circular Electron Positron Collider (CEPC) is a future Higgs factory proposed by the Chinese high energy physics community. It will operate at a center-of-mass energy of 240-250 GeV. The CEPC will accumulate an integrated luminosity of 5 ab$^{\rm{-1}}$ in ten years' operation. With GEANT4-based full simulation samples for CEPC, Higgs boson decaying into electron pair is studied at the CEPC. The upper limit of ${\cal B}(H \rightarrow e^+ e^-)$ could reach 0.024\% at 95\% confidence level. The signal process is generated by MadGraph, with Initial State Radiation (ISR) implemented, as a first step to adjust MadGraph for a electron positron Collider.

To investigate finite-volume effects on the chiral symmetry restoration and the deconfinement transition and some impacts of possible global topological background for a quantum chromodynamics (QCD) system with $N_f=2$ (two quark flavors), we apply the Polyakov-loop extended Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model by introducing a chiral chemical potential $\mu_5$ artificially. The final numerical results indicate that the introduced chiral chemical potential does not change the critical exponents but shifts the location of critical end point (CEP) significantly; the ratios for the chiral chemical potentials and temperatures at CEP, $\mu_c/\mu_{5c}$ and $T_c/T_{5c}$, are significantly affected by the system size $R$. The behavior is that $T_c$ increases slowly with $\mu_5$ when $R$ is large and $T_c$ decreases first and then increases with $\mu_5$ when $R$ is small. It is also found that for a fixed $\mu_5$, there is a $R_{\text{min}}$, where the critical end point vanishes, and the whole phase diagram becomes a crossover when $R<R_{\text{min}}$. Therefore, we suggest that for the heavy-ion collision experiments, which is to study the possible location of CEP, the finite-volume behavior should be taken into account.

A class of Polyakov-loop-modified Nambu--Jona-Lasinio (PNJL) models have been used to support a conjecture that numerical simulations of lattice-regularized quantum chromodynamics (QCD) defined with a chiral chemical potential can provide information about the existence and location of a critical endpoint in the QCD phase diagram drawn in the plane spanned by baryon chemical potential and temperature. That conjecture is challenged by conflicts between the model results and analyses of the same problem using simulations of lattice-regularized QCD (lQCD) and well-constrained Dyson-Schwinger equation (DSE) studies. We find the conflict is resolved in favor of the lQCD and DSE predictions when both a physically-motivated regularization is employed to suppress the contribution of high-momentum quark modes in the definition of the effective potential connected with the PNJL models and the four-fermion coupling in those models does not react strongly to changes in the mean-field that is assumed to mock-up Polyakov loop dynamics. With the lQCD and DSE predictions thus confirmed, it seems unlikely that simulations of lQCD with $\mu_5>0$ can shed any light on a critical endpoint in the regular QCD phase diagram.

We investigate the dynamical chiral symmetry breaking and its restoration at finite density and temperature within the two-flavor Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model, and mainly focus on the critical behaviors near the critical end point (CEP) and tricritical point (TCP) of quantum chromodynamics. The multi-solution region of the Nambu and Wigner ones is determined in the phase diagram for the massive and massless current quark, respectively. We use the various susceptibilities to locate the CEP/TCP and then extract the critical exponents near them. Our calculations reveal that the various susceptibilities share the same critical behaviors for the physical current quark mass, while they show different features in the chiral limit.

Within the framework of Dyson-Schwinger equations (DSEs), we discuss the equation of state (EOS) and quark number densities of 2+1 flavors, that is to say, $u$, $d$, and $s$ quarks. The chemical equilibrium and electric charge neutrality conditions are used to constrain the chemical potential of different quarks. The EOS in the cases of 2 flavors and 2+1 flavors are discussed, and the quark number densities, the pressure, and energy density per baryon are also studied. The results show that there is a critical chemical potential for each flavor of quark, at which the quark number density turns to nonzero from 0; and furthermore, the system with 2+1 flavors of quarks is more stable than that with 2 flavors in the system. These discussion may provide some useful information to some research fields, such as the studies related to the QCD phase transitions or compact stars.

In the mean field approximation of (2+1)-flavor Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model, we strictly derive several sets of coupled equations for the chiral susceptibility, the quark number susceptibility, etc. at finite temperature and quark chemical potential. The critical exponents of these susceptibilities in the vicinity of the QCD critical end point (CEP) are presented in SU(2) and SU(3) cases, respectively. It is found that these various susceptibilities share almost the same critical behavior near the CEP. The comparisons between the critical exponents for the order parameters and the theoretical predictions are also included.

The QCD vacuum condensates and various vacuum susceptibilities are all important parameters which characterize the nonperturbative properties of the QCD vacuum. In the QCD sum rules external field formula, various QCD vacuum susceptibilities play important roles in determining the properties of hadrons. In this paper, we review the recent progress in studies of vacuum susceptibilities together with their applications to the chiral phase transition of QCD. The results of the tensor, the vector, the axial-vector, the scalar, and the pseudo-scalar vacuum susceptibilities are shown in detail in the framework of Dyson-Schwinger equations.

Within the framework of Dyson-Schwinger equations (DSEs), we discuss the chiral phase transition of QCD with a chiral chemical potential $\mu_5$ as an additional scale. We focus especially on the issues related to the widely accepted as well as interested critical end point (CEP). With the help of a scalar susceptibility, we find that there might be no CEP$_5$ in the $T-\mu_5$ plane, and the phase transition in the $T-\mu_5$ plane might be totally crossover when $\mu<50$ MeV, which has apparent consistency with the Lattice QCD calculation. Our study may also provide some useful hints to some other studies related to $\mu_5$.

In this paper we develop a new method that is different from Schwinger proper time method to deduce the fermion propagator with a constant external magnetic field. In the NJL model, we use this method to find out the gap equation at zero and non-zero temperature, and give the numerical results and phase diagram between magnetic field and temperature. Beside these, we also introduce current mass to study the susceptibilities, because there is a new parameter (the strength of external magnetic field) in this problem, corresponding this new parameter, we have defined a new susceptibility $\chi_B$ to compare with the other two susceptibilities $\chi_c$ (chiral susceptibility) and $\chi_T$ (thermal susceptibility), and all of the three susceptibilities show than when current mass is not zero, the phase transition is a crossover, while for comparison, in the chiral limit, the susceptibilities show a second order phase transition. At last, we give out the critical coefficients of different susceptibilities in the chiral limit.

Since the baryon-number susceptibilities are correlated with the cumulant of baryon-number fluctuations in experiments, we do calculations of the susceptibilities and compare them with the experimental fluctuation data under the framework of the Dyson-Schwinger equations (DSEs) approach. We compare our results with lattice QCD and experimental data at RHIC. The fitness of the results indicates that under the framework of DSEs, we can deal with the problems of heavy ion collisions properly.

Introducing constant background fields into the noncommutative gauge theory, we first obtain a Hermitian fermion Lagrangian which involves a Lorentz violation term, then we generalize it to a new deformed canonical noncommutation relations for fermion field. Massless neutrino oscillation in the deformed canonical noncommutation relations is analyzed. The restriction of the noncommutative coefficients is also discussed. By comparing with the existing experimental data of conventional neutrino oscillations, the order of noncommutative deformed coefficients is given from different ways.

Based on the study of the linear response of the fermion propagator in the presence of an external scalar field, we calculate the staggered spin susceptibility in the low energy limit in the framework of the Dyson-Schwinger approach. We analyze the effect of a finite gauge boson mass on the staggered spin susceptibility in both Nambu phase and Wigner phase. It is found that the gauge boson mass suppresses the staggered spin susceptibility in Wigner phase. In addition, we try to give an explanation for why the antiferromagnetic spin correlation increases when the doping is lowered.

At zero temperature and density, the nature of the chiral phase transition in QED$_3$ with $\textit{N}_{f}$ massless fermion flavors is investigated. To this end, in Landau gauge, we numerically solve the coupled Dyson-Schwinger equations for the fermion and boson propagator within the bare and simplified Ball-Chiu vertices separately. It is found that, in the bare vertex approximation, the system undergoes a high-order continuous phase transition from the Nambu-Goldstone phase into the Wigner phase when the number of fermion flavors $\textit{N}_{f}$ reaches the critical number $\textit{N}_{f,c}$, while the system exhibits a typical characteristic of second-order phase transition for the simplified Ball-Chiu vertex.

In this paper, the relations of four different susceptibilities (i.e., the chiral susceptibility, the fermion number susceptibility, the thermal susceptibility and the staggered spin susceptibility) are investigated both in and beyond the chiral limit. To this end, we numerically solve the finite temperature version of the truncated Dyson-Schwinger equations for fermion and boson propagator. It is found that, in the chiral limit, the four susceptibilities give the same critical temperature and signal a typical second order phase transition. But the situation changes beyond the chiral limit: the critical temperatures from the chiral and the thermal susceptibilities are different, which shows that to define a critical region instead of an exclusive point for crossover might be a more suitable choice; meanwhile, both the fermion number and the staggered spin susceptibilities have no singular behaviors any more, this may mean that they are no longer available to describe the crossover properties of the system.

In this paper we study the chiral phase transition of QCD at ?nite temperature and density by using the rank-2 con?ning separable gluon propagator model in the framework of Dyson-Schwinger Equations. The critical end point is located at (T_CEP, \mu_CEP) = (69 MeV, 270.3 MeV). It is also found that the first order phase transition might not end at one point, but experiences a two-phase coexisting meta-stable state. A comparison with the results in the previous literature is given.

With a modified chemical potential dependent effective model for the gluon propagator, we try to locate the critical end point (CEP) of strongly interacting matter in the framework of Dyson-Schwinger equations (DSE). Beyond the chiral limit, we find that Nambu solution and Wigner solution could coexist in some area. Using the CornwallJackiw-Tomboulis (CJT) effective action, we show that these two phases are connected by a first order phase transition. We then locate CEP as the end point of the first order phase transition line. Meanwhile, based on CJT effective action, we give a direct calculation for the chiral susceptibility and thereby study the crossover.

In this paper, chiral symmetry breaking and its restoration are investigated in the mean field approximation of Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model. A first-order phase transition exists at low temperature, but is smeared out at high temperature. We discuss the rationality of using susceptibilities as the criteria to determine the crossover region as well as the critical point. Based on our results, it is found that to define a critical band instead of an exclusive line in this region might be a more suitable choice.

By employing some modification to the widely used two-flavor Polyakov-loop extended Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (PNJL) model, we discuss the Wigner solution of the quark gap equation at finite temperature and zero quark chemical potential beyond the chiral limit, and then try to explore its influences on the chiral and deconfinement phase transitions of QCD at finite temperature and zero chemical potential. The discovery of the coexistence of the Nambu and the Wigner solutions of the quark gap equation with nonzero current quark mass at zero temperature and zero chemical potential, as well as their evolutions with temperature is very interesting for the studies of the phase transitions of QCD. According to our results, the chiral phase transition might be of first order (while the deconfinement phase transition is still a crossover, as in the normal PNJL model), and the corresponding phase transition temperature is lower than that of the deconfinement phase transition, instead of coinciding with each other, which are not the same as the conclusions obtained from the normal PNJL model. In addition, we also discuss the sensibility of our final results on the choice of model parameters.