Structure Function Measurements and Kinematic Reconstruction at HERA

TL;DR

This paper reviews and optimizes methods for measuring the structure function F_2 at HERA, focusing on kinematic reconstruction techniques across a wide range of energies and discussing future high Q^2 studies.

Contribution

It introduces new prescriptions for kinematic reconstruction to improve F_2 measurements over a broad kinematic range at HERA.

Findings

Optimized reconstruction methods enhance F_2 measurement accuracy.

Sensitivity analysis of reconstruction methods to calibration errors.

Discussion of future prospects for high Q^2 structure function studies.

Abstract

The procedure used for structure function measurements at HERA is briefly described and related to the properties of kinematic reconstruction. The reconstruction methods of the inclusive deep inelastic scattering variables are reviewed and their sensitivity to the energy and angle miscalibrations are discussed in detail. New prescriptions are introduced and related to the standard methods in order to optimize the F_2 structure function measurement over the widest kinematic range, both in the low x, low Q^2 and in the high x, high Q^2 regions. The prospects for the future high Q^2 studies are briefly discussed.