The problem of kinematic mass corrections for unpolarized semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering

Abstract

Miraculously, target mass corrections for inclusive deep inelastic scattering can be calculated exactly. On the contrary, there does not exist a consistent derivation of kinematic hadron mass corrections for semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS). Recently this has become of topical interest, since there is a significant difference between the measured HERMES and COMPASS pion and kaon multiplicities, which cannot be explained as a consequence of evolution in $Q^2$, and it has been suggested that the difference can be understood if kinematic hadron mass corrections are taken into account. We explain why this argument is incorrect.