Hadron structure in electroweak precision measurements.
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Date
2014
Authors
Hall, Nathan Luke
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Advisors
Thomas, Anthony William
Young, Ross Daniel
Young, Ross Daniel
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Thesis
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Abstract
Precision measurements offer important, low-energy tests of the Standard Model. The Qweak and (proposed) MOLLER experiments at Jefferson Lab are two such measurements. Since the interpretation of the experimental results depends on the precision of the theory prediction, radiative corrections need to be properly accounted for. In this thesis we examine the γZ box correction to the weak charge of the proton. Previously poorly understood, by using phenomenological information to constrain the input structure functions, we determine this important correction at Qweak kinematics to a precision more than twice that of the previous best estimate. The γZ box is also evaluated at energies relevant to the MOLLER experiment for the first time. The constructed Adelaide-Jefferson Lab-Manitoba model structure functions may also be used to study other low-energy phenomena. The electromagnetic parametrisations of the cross sections are utilised in the context of the generalised Baldin sum rule to investigate the momentum transfer dependence of the electric and magnetic polarisabilities. Additionally, both the electromagnetic and interference structure functions' moments were calculated in order to determine the higher-twist contributions to the structure functions. These results serve to increase our understanding of the internal structure of the nucleon.
School/Discipline
School of Chemistry and Physics
Dissertation Note
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Chemistry and Physics, 2014
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This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals