New Generation of Parton Distributions with Uncertainties from Global QCD Analysis

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new set of parton distribution functions with improved precision and uncertainty estimates, incorporating comprehensive experimental error treatment for accurate predictions at high-energy colliders.

Contribution

It presents a new generation of parton distributions with quantified uncertainties, including a systematic approach to experimental errors and updated gluon distribution.

Findings

The new gluon distribution is significantly harder than previous fits.

Provides detailed uncertainty estimates for parton distributions at various energy scales.

Enables quick estimation of uncertainties for collider processes like W/Z and Higgs production.

Abstract

A new generation of parton distribution functions with increased precision and quantitative estimates of uncertainties is presented. This work includes a full treatment of available experimental correlated systematic errors for both new and old data sets and a systematic and pragmatic treatment of uncertainties of the parton distributions and their physical predictions. The new gluon distribution is considerably harder than that of previous standard fits. Extensive results on the uncertainties of parton distributions at various scales, and on parton luminosity functions at the Tevatron RunII and the LHC, are obtained. The latter provide the means to quickly estimate the uncertainties of a wide range of physical processes at these high-energy hadron colliders, such as the production cross sections of the $W,Z$ at the Tevatron and the LHC, and that of a light Higgs.