Parton Distributions for LO Calculations

Abstract

We present a study of the results obtained combining LO partonic matrix elements with different orders of partons distributions. These are compared to the best prediction using NLO for both matrix elements and parton distributions. The aim is to determine which parton distributions are most appropriate to use in those cases where only LO matrix elements are available, e.g. as in many Monte Carlo generators. Both LO and NLO parton distributions have faults so a modified optimal LO set is suggested.