Quantum Chromodynamic Predictions for the Deuteron Form Factor

The asymptotic large-momentum-transfer behavior of the deuteron form factor and the form of the deuteron distribution amplitude at short distances are derived from perturbative quantum chromodynamics. The fact that the six-quark state is 80% hidden color at small transverse separation implies that the deuteron form factors cannot be described at large Q² by meson-nucleon degrees of freedom, and that the nucleon-nucleon potential is repulsive at short distances.