Impact Parameter Space Interpretation for Generalized Parton Distributions

Abstract

The Fourier transform of generalized parton distribution functions at xi=0 describes the distribution of partons in the transverse plane. The physical significance of these impact parameter dependent parton distribution functions is discussed. In particular, it is shown that they satisfy positivity constraints which justify their physical interpretation as a probability density. The generalized parton distribution H is related to the impact parameter distribution of unpolarized quarks for an unpolarized nucleon, H-tilde is related to the distribution of longitudinally polarized quarks in a longitudinally polarized nucleon, and $E$ is related to the distortion of the unpolarized quark distribution in the transverse plane when the nucleon has transverse polarization.