Hadron form factors: from basic phenomenology to QCD sum rules

This book introduces the phenomenology and theory of hadron form factors in a consistent manner, deriving step-by-step the key equations, defining the form factors from the matrix elements of hadronic transitions and deriving their symmetry relations. Explained are several general concepts of particle theory and phenomenology exemplified by hadron form factors. The main emphasis here is on learning the analytical methods in particle phenomenology. Many examples of hadronic processes involving form factors are considered, from the pion electromagnetic scattering to heavy B-meson decays. In the second part of the book, modern techniques of the form factor calculation, based on the method of sum rules in the theory of strong interactions, quantum chromodynamics, are introduced in an accessible manner. This book will be a useful guide for graduate students and early-career researchers working in the field of particle phenomenology and experiments. Features: • The first book to address the phenomenology of hadron form factors at a pedagogical level in one coherent volume • Contains up-to-date descriptions of the most important form factors of the electroweak transitions investigated in particle physics experiments