Dipole models and parton saturation in ep scattering

TL;DR

This paper reviews the development, foundations, and applications of dipole models and parton saturation in ep scattering, highlighting their limitations and open problems based on HERA data and QCD formalism.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of dipole models, compares current approaches, and discusses theoretical issues related to multiple scattering and saturation in ep scattering.

Findings

Comparison of different dipole models

Identification of limitations and open problems

Summary of applications to HERA data

Abstract

In this contribution we briefly review the current status of the dipole models and parton saturation on the basis of results presented at the HERA-LHC workshops in the years 2006-2008. The problem of foundations of the dipole models is addressed within the QCD formalism. Some limitations of the models and open problems are pointed out. Furthermore, we review and compare the currently used dipole models and summarise the applications to describe various sets of HERA data. Finally we outline some of the theoretical approaches to the problem of multiple scattering and saturation.