Low Q^2 Structure Function Measurements

Abstract

New Results on the measurement of the proton structure function F_2(x,Q^2) are reported for momentum transfers squared Q^2 >= 1.5 GeV^2 and Bjorken x >= 3.5 10^{-5} using data collected by the HERA experiments H1 and ZEUS in 1994. F_2 increases significantly with decreasing x, even in the lowest reachable Q^2 region. The data are well described by a Next to Leading Order QCD fit, and support within the present precision that the rise at low x within this Q^2 range is generated via the DGLAP evolution equations. A comparison with models based on pomeron exchange is also presented. The gluon density is extracted and observed to rise at low x.