The beauty of the electromagnetic probe

Abstract

Abstract. Precision experiments using the electromagnetic probe have recently produced important new data on fundamental properties of the nucleon, e.g. charge, magnetism, shape, polarizability, spin and sea quark structure. These experiments have been made possible by a new generation of high duty factor electron accelerators, advances in spin polarization technology (beams, targets and recoil polarimeters), and the development of unique, optimized detector systems. In this contribution, the role of multiple photon exchange in electron scattering from the proton and the role of sea quarks in nucleon structure are highlighted.PACS. 13.40.Gp Electromagnetic form factors -13.60.-r Photon and charged-lepton interactions with hadrons -13.60.Fz Elastic and Compton scattering -14.20.Dh Protons and neutrons