Structure Functions are not Parton Probabilities

Abstract

Parton distributions given by deep inelastic lepton scattering (DIS) are not equal to the probabilities of finding those partons in the parent wave function. Soft rescattering of the struck parton within the coherence length of the hard process influences the DIS cross section and gives dynamical phases to the scattering amplitudes. This gives rise to diffractive DIS, shadowing in nuclear targets and transverse spin asymmetry.