A Leading-Order, But More Than One-Loop, Calculation of structure functions

Abstract

I present a full leading-order calculation of F_2(x,Q^2) and F_L(x,Q^2), including contributions not only from leading order in \alpha_s, but also from the leading power of \alpha_s for each order in ln(1/x). The calculation is ordered according to the inputs and evolution of the structure functions, and the perturbative form of the inputs is determined. I compare the results of fits to data to those using conventional LO and NLO order calculations, and the correct inclusion of leading ln(1/x) terms is clearly preferred. A prediction for F_L(x,Q^2) is produced which is smaller at small x than that obtained from the conventional approach.