The dependence on Q^2 (the negative square of the 4-momentum of the exchanged virtual photon) of the generalised Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn integral for the proton has been measured in the range 1.2 GeV^2 < Q^2 < 12 GeV^2 by scattering longitudinally polarised positrons on a longitudinally polarised hydrogen gas target. The contributions of the nucleon-resonance and deep-inelastic regions to this integral have been evaluated separately. The latter has been found to dominate for Q^2 > 3 GeV^2, while both contributions are important at low Q^2. The total integral shows no significant deviation from a 1/Q^2 behaviour in the measured Q^2 range, and thus no sign of large effects due to either nucleon-resonance excitations or non-leading twist.
The GDH integral as a function of Q2 in the resonance region (W**2 = 1 to 4.2 GeV**2), the measured region (W**2=4.2 to 45 GeV**2), and the total region (W**2= 1 to 45 GeV**2).
The virtual photon absorption cross section differences [sigma_1/2-sigma_3/2] for the proton and neutron have been determined from measurements of polarised cross section asymmetries in deep inelastic scattering of 27.5 GeV longitudinally polarised positrons from polarised 1H and 3He internal gas targets. The data were collected in the region above the nucleon resonances in the kinematic range nu < 23.5 GeV and 0.8 GeV**2 < Q**2 < 12 GeV**2. For the proton the contribution to the generalised Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn integral was found to be substantial and must be included for an accurate determination of the full integral. Furthermore the data are consistent with a QCD next-to-leading order fit based on previous deep inelastic scattering data. Therefore higher twist effects do not appear significant.
Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn sum rule for proton as a function of Q2.
Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn sum rule for neutron as a function of Q2 (integral spans from Q2/2M to infinity instead of zero to infinity, see paper).
Cross section difference for the proton data. Statistical errors only.
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