Structure Function Measurements and Kinematic Reconstruction at HERA

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.