Improved measurement of parton distribution functions and $\alpha_s(M_Z)$ with the LHeC

TL;DR

The paper discusses how the future LHeC collider can significantly improve the precision of proton structure measurements and the strong coupling constant, aiding in the interpretation of BSM signals at the LHC.

Contribution

It presents an analysis of the LHeC's potential to reduce uncertainties in PDFs and $oldsymbol{ ext{α}_s(M_Z)}$, enhancing the accuracy of Standard Model predictions.

Findings

LHeC can substantially decrease uncertainties in proton PDFs.

Improved measurements of $oldsymbol{ ext{α}_s(M_Z)}$ at LHeC.

Enhanced interpretation of BSM signals at the LHC.

Abstract

The potential of the LHeC, a future electron-proton collider, for precision Deep Inelastic Scattering measurements is reviewed with particular emphasis on the reduction of uncertainties on the parton distribution functions (PDFs) of the proton and on the measurement of $\alpha_s(M_Z)$. The interpretation of possible Beyond Standard Model (BSM) signals at the LHC is crucially dependent on precise knowledge of the predictions of the Standard Model (SM) and the uncertainties on PDFs and $\alpha_s(M_Z) $are a limiting factor. The LHeC project, running in parallel with later stages of LHC running, would provide much improved precision on the PDFs as compared to the precision expected from LHC data alone.