Geometric Scaling of $F_2$ and $F_2^c$ in data and QCD Parametrisations

Abstract

The scaling properties at low $x$ of the proton DIS cross section and its charm component are analyzed with the help of the quality factor method. Scaling properties are tested both in the deep inelastic scattering data and in the structure functions reconstructed from CTEQ, MRST and GRV parametrisations of parton density functions. The results for DIS cross sections are fully compatible between data and parametrisations. Even with larger error bars, the charm component data favors the same geometric scaling properties as the ones of inclusive DIS. This is not the case for all parametrisations of the charm component.