Bayesian inference of the fluctuating proton shape

Abstract

Using Bayesian inference, we determine probabilistic constraints on the parameters describing the fluctuating structure of protons at high energy. We employ the color glass condensate framework supplemented with a model for the spatial structure of the proton, along with experimental data from the ZEUS and H1 Collaborations on coherent and incoherent diffractive J/ψ production in e+p collisions at HERA. This data is found to constrain most model parameters well. This work sets the stage for future global analyses, including experimental data from e+p, p+p, and p+A collisions, to constrain the fluctuating structure of nucleons along with properties of the final state.

Bayesian inference of the fluctuating proton shape

“…In our recent Letter [2] we have performed a Bayesian analysis to extract the likelihood distribution for the model parameters describing the eventby-event fluctuating proton shape from HERA J/ψ production data [3], assuming that the nucleon substructure can be described in terms of gluonic hot spots as suggested in Refs. [4], see also Ref.…”

Nuclear geometry at high energy from exclusive vector meson production

“…The model parameters and the numerical values determined are summarized below (see also Ref. [79] for a recent Bayesian analysis of the proton shape fluctuations without the JIMWLK evolution).…”