Deep inelastic scattering from arbitrary spin targets

We analyze inclusive inelastic lepton scattering from polarized targets of arbitrary spin, J. We express the cross-section and lepton spin asymmetry in terms of Lorentz invariant structure functions. In the Bjorken limit all information about the target is summarized by a set of 2J + 1 quark distribution functions (for each flavor of quark and antiquark) which evolve logarithmically with Q2 in a manner prescribed by QCD. We present both parton model and operator product expansion analyses. For nuclear targets we present the predictions for these structure functions based on a convolution model in which nuclei are composed only of bound protons and neutrons. Specific examples are worked out in detail. (orig.)