Transversity distributions and Drell-Yan spin asymmetries

Abstract

We discuss transversity distributions and Drell-Yan transverse double spin asymmetries. First, the antiquark flavor asymmetry $\Delta_{_T} \bar u/\Delta_{_T} \bar d$ is discussed by using two different descriptions, a meson-cloud model and a Pauli exclusion model. We find that both calculations produce a significant $\Delta_{_T} \bar d$ excess over $\Delta_{_T} \bar u$. Next, we study its effects on the transverse spin asymmetry $A_{_{TT}}$ and on the Drell-Yan proton-deuteron asymmetry $\Delta_{_T}\sigma^{pd}/2 \Delta_{_T}\sigma^{pp}$. We find that the ratio $\Delta_{_T}\sigma^{pd}/2 \Delta_{_T}\sigma^{pp}$ is very useful for investigating the flavor asymmetry effect.