Theory and phenomenology of generalized parton distributions: a brief overview

Abstract

The generalized parton distributions are non-perturbative objects, which encode information on long distance dynamics in a number of exclusive processes. They are hybrids of conventional parton densities, distribution amplitudes and hadron form factors. We give a brief review of theoretical developments in understanding of their properties, higher order perturbative effects, power corrections, and experimental observables where they are accessible.

Comments: 6 pages, LaTeX; Talk given at 36th Rencontres de Moriond on QCD and Hadronic Interactions, Les Arcs, France, 17-24 Mar 2001