Quark distribution functions and spin-flavor structures in $N \to \Delta$ transitions

Abstract

Transition generalized parton distributions have emerged as a novel tool for studying the quantum chromodynamics (QCD) structure of resonances. They provide an integrated picture of the transition form factors and the transition parton distribution functions. In this study, we delve into the angular momentum (AM) properties for the $N\to \Delta$ transition and its decomposition into the orbital angular momentum and the intrinsic spin in the context of the quark distribution functions. First, we explore the spin-flavor structures within the framework of both the overlap representations of the three-quark light-cone wave functions and the large $N_c$ limit of QCD. We then estimate the AM quark distribution functions for the $N\to \Delta$ transition. Our analysis reveals a substantial flavor asymmetry present in both the orbital angular momentum and intrinsic spin components.