Backward-Angle (u-Channel) Meson Production from JLab 12~GeV Hall C to EIC

Abstract

The recent exclusive backward-angle electroproduction of \omegaω from Jefferson Lab Hall~C electron-proton fixed-target scattering experiments above the resonance region hints at a new domain of applicability of QCD factorization in a unique uu-channel kinematics regime. Thanks to this effort, the interest in studying nucleon structure through uu-channel meson production observables has grown significantly. In the fixed target configuration, the uu-channel meson electroproduction observables feature a unique interaction picture: the target proton absorbs nearly all momentum induced by virtual photons and recoils forward, while the produced mesons (such as omega or pions) are left behind almost at rest near the target station. In this presentation, We provide a summary of the key observations of the existing uu-channel meson production results, update-to-date theory insights, and a path to further exploration from JLab 12 GeV Hall~C program to the future Electron-Ion Colliders.