  We propose a new method to calculate parton distribution functions (PDFs)
from lattice correlations of boosted quarks and gluons in the Coulomb gauge.
Compared to the widely used gauge-invariant Wilson-line operators, these
correlations greatly simplify the renormalization thanks to the absence of
linear power divergence. Besides, they enable access to larger off-axis momenta
under preserved 3D rotational symmetry, as well as enhanced long-range
precision that facilitates the Fourier transform. We verify the factorization
formula that relates this new observable to the quark PDF at one-loop order in
perturbation theory. Moreover, through a lattice calculation of the pion
valence quark PDF, we demonstrate the aforementioned advantage and features of
the Coulomb gauge correlation and show that it yields consistent result with
the gauge-invariant method. This opens the door to a more efficient way to
calculate parton physics on the lattice.
