Experimental Review of Photon Structure Function Data

TL;DR

This paper reviews experimental data on photon structure functions from e+e- colliders, comparing results with theoretical models and discussing future measurement prospects at advanced colliders.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of photon structure function measurements and compares experimental data with recent theoretical parametrizations.

Findings

Photon structure functions have been measured at e+e- colliders.

Data are consistent with current theoretical models.

Future measurements at the International Linear Collider are promising.

Abstract

The present knowledge of the structure of the photon is presented based on results obtained by measurements of photon structure functions at e+e- collider. Results are presented both for the QED structure of the photon as well as for the hadronic structure, where the data are also compared to recent parametrisations of the hadronic structure function F2gamma(x,Q^2). Prospects of future photon structure function measurements, especially at an International Linear Collider are outlined.