Charge symmetry breaking in parton distribution functions from lattice QCD

Abstract

By determining the quark momentum fractions of the octet baryons from Nf=2+1 lattice simulations, we are able to predict the degree of charge symmetry violation in the parton distribution functions of the nucleon. This is of importance, not only as a probe of our understanding of the nonperturbative structure of the proton, but also because such a violation constrains the accuracy of global fits to parton distribution functions and hence the accuracy with which, for example, cross sections at the LHC can be predicted. A violation of charge symmetry may also be critical in cases where symmetries are used to guide the search for physics beyond the standard model.