Empirical transverse charge densities in the nucleon and the nucleon-to-$\Delta$ transition

Abstract

Using only the current empirical information on the nucleon electromagnetic form factors we map out the transverse charge density in proton and neutron as viewed from a light front moving towards a transversely polarized nucleon. These charge densities are characterized by a dipole pattern, in addition to the monopole field corresponding with the unpolarized density. Furthermore, we use the latest empirical information on the $N \to \Delta$ transition form factors to map out the transition charge density which induces the $N \to \Delta$ excitation. This transition charge density in a transversely polarized $N$ and $\Delta$ contains both monopole, dipole and quadrupole patterns, the latter corresponding with a deformation of the hadron's charge distribution.