Electron-Proton Scattering: Structure Probe

This lecture explores electron-proton scattering as a tool to investigate the proton's structure. It covers elastic and deep inelastic scattering, QED calculations, Lorentz invariant matrix elements, and the interpretation of scattering results. The discussion delves into the nature of the proton's interaction with virtual photons at different electron energies, revealing insights into the proton's sub-structure and constituent quarks. The lecture also touches on Rutherford scattering, form factors, and the implications of finite proton size on scattering cross-sections. It concludes with a look at higher energy electron-proton scattering and the measurement of proton form factors.