$q \to \Lambda$ Fragmentation Function and Nucleon Transversity Distribution in a Diquark Model

Abstract

Based on a simple quark-diquark model, we propose a set of unpolarized, longitudinally polarized and transversely polarized fragmentation functions for the $\Lambda$ by fitting the unpolarized $\Lambda$ production data in $e^+ e ^- $ annihilation. It is found that the helicity structure of the obtained $\Lambda$ fragmentation functions is supported by the all available experimental data on the longitudinal $\Lambda$ polarization. Within the same framework of the diquark model, the nucleon transversity distributions are presented and consistent descriptions of the available HERMES data on the azimuthal spin asymmetries in pion electroproduction are obtained. Furthermore, the spin transfers to the transversely polarized $\Lambda$ in the charged lepton DIS on a transversely polarized nucleon target are predicted for future experiments.