The deuteron A(Q) structure function and the neutron electric form factor

We have measured the deuteron A(Q²) structure function in the momentum transfer region between 1 and 18 fm⁻². The accuracy of the data ranges from 2 to 6%. These measurements allow a sensitive test of theoretical predictions. We find that meson-exchange currents and relativistic corrections significantly improve the agreement between experiment and theory. We investigate the sensitivity of A(Q²) to the nucleon-nucleon interaction and to the neutron electric form factor G_Eⁿ(Q²). Our analysis shows that G_Eⁿ(Q²) can be extracted from these data with a significantly improved accuracy. The model dependence of this analysis is discussed.