T-odd distributions, breaking of long range correlations, and sudden entropy changes, in Drell-Yan high-energy processes

Abstract

T-odd parton distribution functions in a Drell-Yan process are here studied by examining the evolution of the internal statistical properties of the interacting hadrons. T-odd functions are shown to be a signature of the irreversible process in which a hadronic state characterized by long range correlation properties (hadronic phase) decays to produce a cloud of independent partons (partonic phase) because of initial/final state interactions. The relevant considered variable is the rate of increase of the entropy of the hadronic system. This quantity is shown to be roughly equal to the decay rate of the hadronic state. Conditions for getting a leading twist T-odd effect are established on this basis. Last, the relevant case of a large entropy increase associated with transverse-dominated initial/final state interactions is analyzed.