Constraints on gluon evolution at small x

Abstract

The BFKL and the unified angular-ordered equations are solved to determine the gluon distribution at small $x$. The impact of kinematic constraints is investigated. Predictions are made for observables sensitive to the gluon at small $x$. In particular comparison is made with measurements at the HERA electron-proton collider of the proton structure function $F_2 (x, Q^2)$ as a function of $\ln Q^2$, the charm component, $F_2^c(x,Q^2)$ and diffractive $J/\psi$ photoproduction.