Understanding the Forward Muon Deficit in Coherent Pion Production

Abstract

For any inelastic process $v_{\ell} + I \to \ell^- + F$ with $m_{\ell} = 0$, the cross section at $\theta_{\ell} = 0$ is given by Adler's PCAC theorem. Inclusion of the lepton mass has a dynamical effect (``PCAC-screening'') caused by interference of spin-zero ($\pi^+$) and spin-one exchanges. This effect may be relevant to the forward suppression reported in recent experiments.