Virtual Compton Scattering from the Proton and the Properties of Nucleon Excited States

Abstract

We calculate the $N^*$ contributions to the generalized polarizabilities of the proton in virtual Compton scattering. The following nucleon excitations are included: $N^*(1535)$, $N^*(1650)$, $N^*(1520)$, $N^*(1700)$, $Δ(1232)$, $Δ^*(1620)$ and $Δ^*(1700)$. The relationship between nucleon structure parameters, $N^*$ properties and the generalized polarizabilities of the proton is illustrated.