Sensitivity of Parity-Violating Electron Scattering to a Dark Photon
A. W. Thomas, X. G. Wang, Anthony G. Williams
Abstract
We explore the sensitivity of the parity-violating electron scattering (PVES) asymmetry in both elastic and deep-inelastic scattering to the properties of a dark photon. Given advances in experimental capabilities in recent years, there are interesting regions of parameter space where PVES offers the chance to discover new physics in the near future. There are also cases where the existence of a dark photon could significantly alter our understanding of the structure of atomic nuclei and neutron stars as well as parton distribution functions.
Topics & Concepts
PhysicsAsymmetryScatteringParity (physics)PhotonPartonParticle physicsInelastic scatteringParameter spaceElectron scatteringElastic scatteringDark photonElectronNuclear physicsDark matterQuantum mechanicsQuantum chromodynamicsMathematicsStatisticsParticle physics theoretical and experimental studiesQuantum Chromodynamics and Particle InteractionsDark Matter and Cosmic Phenomena