Parity-violating electron-deuteron scattering

The longitudinal asymmetry due to $Z^0$ exchange is calculated in quasielastic electron-deuteron scattering at momentum transfers $|Q^2|\simeq 0.1{\mathrm{GeV}}^2$ relevant for the SAMPLE experiment. The deuteron and $\mathrm{pn}$-scattering-state wave functions are obtained from solutions of a Schrödinger equation with the Argonne $v_{18}$ potential. Electromagnetic and weak neutral one- and two-nucleon currents are included in the calculation. The two-nucleon currents of pion range are shown to be identical to those derived in chiral perturbation theory. The results indicate that two-body contributions to the asymmetry are small $(\simeq 0.2\%)$ around the quasielastic peak, but become relatively more significant $(\simeq 3\%)$ in the high-energy wing of the quasielastic peak.