The Transversity Function and Double Spin Azimuthal Asymmetry in Semi-Inclusive Pion Leptoproduction

Abstract

We show that the transverse momentum dependent transversity function is proportional to the longitudinal polarization of a quark in a transversely polarized proton. This result suggests an alternative, convenient method for determining transversity, without knowing unusual fragmentation functions. The method consists of measuring the double spin azimuthal asymmetry in semi-inclusive pion leptoproduction by a transversely polarized proton target. The asymmetry, which is twist 3, is estimated to be more than 10% under the most favorable conditions. The experiment we suggest is feasible at facilities like DESY and CERN.

Comments: extended version; to appear on Int. Jou. Mod. Phys. A