A review of the intrinsic heavy quark content of the nucleon

Abstract

We present a review of the state-of-the-art of our understanding of the intrinsic charm and bottom content of the nucleon. We discuss theoretical calculations, constraints from global analyses, and collider observables sensitive to the intrinsic heavy quark distributions. A particular emphasis is put on the potential of a high-energy and high-luminosity fixed target experiment using the LHC beams (AFTER@LHC) to search for intrinsic charm.