Generalized parton distributions of the pion in a Bethe-Salpeter approach Original Research Article

Generalized parton distribution functions (GPDs) are calculated in a field theoretic formalism using a covariant Bethe-Salpeter approach. The procedure is described in an exact calculation in scalar Electrodynamics, and then extended to the Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model. In both cases we demonstrate that all important features required by general physical considerations, like symmetry properties, sum rules and the polynomiality condition, are explicitly verified.