Improved nonsinglet QCD analysis of the fixed-target DIS data

TL;DR

This paper performs an improved analysis of fixed-target deep inelastic scattering data on the F2 structure function using non-singlet QCD at NNLO, refining the determination of the strong coupling constant and confirming previous results.

Contribution

It introduces a refined method for analyzing fixed-target DIS data in the non-singlet approximation at NNLO, with a new approach to systematic error treatment.

Findings

Determined α_s(M_Z^2) = 0.1157 ± 0.0022 (total experimental error)

Results are consistent with the world average of the strong coupling constant

Confirmed previous findings with improved systematic error handling.

Abstract

Deep inelastic scattering data on $F_2$ structure function obtained by BCDMS, SLAC and NMC collaborations in fixed-target experiments were analyzed in the non-singlet approximation with next-to-next-to-leading-order accuracy. The strong coupling constant is found to be $\alpha_s(M_Z^2) = 0.1157 \pm 0.0022 (total\,\,\,exp.error) + \biggl\{\begin{array}{l} +0.0028 \\ -0.0016 \end{array} (theor)$, which is seen to be well compatible with the average world value. Results obtained in the present paper by carrying out fits similar to those done in our earlier study, with the exception for systematic errors in BCDMS data taken into account in a different way, confirm those which were derived in that same paper.