Reconstructed proton charge structure: Insights from Patterson function analysis

Abstract We present an empirical, approximate, and graphical method to reconstruct the proton’s internal charge structure using Patterson function analysis. The resulting model is non-negative and compact, with a radius of half-maximum Patterson charge density of 0.09 fm—identical to the experimental value. The radius of half-maximum charge density of the reconstructed proton structure is 0.051 fm, which lies within the upper bound for non-negative radial Patterson charge density. This approach offers a novel perspective on proton structure and complements existing theoretical models.