QCD description of backward vector meson hard electroproduction

Abstract: We consider backward vector meson exclusive electroproduction off nucleons in the framework of collinear QCD factorization. Nucleon to vector meson transition distribution amplitudes arise as building blocks for the corresponding factorized amplitudes. In the near-backward kinematics, the suggested factorization mechanism results in the dominance of the transverse cross section of vector meson production ($\sigma_T \gg \sigma_L$) and in the characteristic $1/Q^8$-scaling behavior of the cross section. We evaluate nucleon to vector meson TDAs in the cross-channel nucleon exchange model and present estimates of the differential cross section for backward $\rho^0$, $\omega$ and $\phi$ meson production off protons. The resulting cross sections are shown to be measurable in the forthcoming JLab@12 GeV experiments.