Generalized Parton Distributions of Pions at the Forthcoming Electron-Ion Collider

We analyze deeply virtual Compton scattering on pions projected for a future electron-ion collider and conveyed in the Sullivan process. The relevant amplitude is known to be parametrized by generalized parton distributions. Hence taking advantage of state-of-the-art models for them, supplemented with effective leading-order scale evolution, we evaluate the amplitude for the process to occur and examine the pion's structure from the perspective of electron-ion colliders. We estimate the expected event-rates for the Sullivan process showing: first, that deeply virtual Compton scattering on pions may be measurable at forthcoming experimental facilities. Second, that gluons may be decisive in the description of pions, driving the behavior of the relevant amplitudes and modulating the expected event-rates. (author)