Extraction of the distribution function $h^{\perp}_{1T}$ from experimental data

Abstract

We attempt an extraction of the pretzelosity distribution ($h^{\perp}_{1T}$) from preliminary COMPASS, HERMES, and JLAB experimental data on $\sin(3ϕ_h - ϕ_S)$ asymmetry on proton, and effective deuteron and neutron targets. The resulting distributions, albeit with big errors, for the first time show tendency for up-quark pretzelosity to be positive and down-quark pretzelosity to be negative. A model relation of pretzelosity distribution and orbital angular momentum of quarks is used to estimate contributions of up and down quarks.

17 pages, 9 figures, discussion of results is improved, version published in Physical Review D