Multi-Differential DVCS Cross Section Measurement on the Proton in the Valence Region with CLAS12

Abstract

We report the measurement of the four-fold differential cross section of deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) on the proton using a longitudinally polarized 10.6 GeV CEBAF electron beam incident on a liquid-hydrogen target with the CLAS12 detector. The analysis provides 1312 data points, expanding the measured phase space in the valence quark region, 0.06 < $x_B$ < 0.58, 1.00 < $Q^2$ < 5.76 GeV${}^2$, and 0.11 < $|t|$ < 1.00 GeV${}^2$. DVCS cross section measurements directly constrain the real part of the DVCS amplitude through its interference with the Bethe-Heitler process, making them essential inputs to global extractions of the Compton Form Factors (CFFs), particularly the dominant CFF $H$. These data improve sensitivity to these observables and can contribute to future determinations of the proton's internal mechanical structure.