Semi-inclusive hadron-hadron transverse spin asymmetries and their implication for polarized DIS

Abstract

We discuss a possible explanation of the 25 year old mystery of the large transverse spin asymmetries found in many semi-inclusive hadron-hadron reactions. We obtain the first reliable information about the transverse polarized quark densities Delta_T q(x) and we find surprising implications for the usual, longitudinal, polarized DIS. The plan of the presentation is as follows: 1) A brief reminder about the internal structure of the nucleon. 2) The transverse asymmetries. 3) Why it is so difficult to explain the asymmetries. 4) Failure and then success using a new soft mechanism. 5) implications for polarized DIS.