Towards a new global QCD analysis: low x DIS data from non-linear evolution

A new approach to global QCD analysis is developed. The main ingredients are two QCD-based evolution equations. The first one is the Balitsky-Kovchegov non-linear equation, which sums higher twists while preserving unitarity. The second equation is linear and it is responsible for the correct short distance behavior of the theory, namely it includes the DGLAP kernel. Our approach allows for extrapolation of the parton distributions to the very high energies available at the LHC as well as very low photon virtualities, . All existing low x data on the F₂ structure function are reproduced using two fitting parameters, the other parameters were taken as constants. The result is . Analyzing the parameter at very low x and Q² well below we find -0.1. This is a result which agrees with the “soft pomeron” intercept without involving soft physics. Received: 9 September 2002 / Revised version: 15 November 2002 / Published online: 14 February 2003