Speakers
Description
We introduce SKMHS22, a novel set of diffractive parton distribution functions (PDFs) and their uncertainties, computed at both next-to-leading-order and next-to-next-to-leading-order accuracy within the framework of perturbative QCD in xFitter. Our analysis comprehensively addresses diffractive deep inelastic scattering (DIS) data from HERA, encompassing the latest H1/ZEUS measurements, while considering three distinct perspectives: the standard twist-2 contribution, the twist-4 correction involving longitudinal virtual photons, and the impact of subleading Reggeon exchange on the structure-function $F_2^D$. To handle heavy flavors, we employ the Thorne-Roberts scheme. Notably, the inclusion of twist-4 and subleading Reggeon contributions significantly enhances the description of the data, particularly in the high-$\beta$ region. We also investigate the stability of the SKMHS22 QCD fit with the addition of higher-order corrections, leading to subtle improvements in data agreement. These SKMHS22 PDFs exhibit strong agreement with a wide range of diffractive DIS data, outperforming prior fits, and are accessible via the LHAPDF interface. We conclude with forward-looking suggestions for further research in this domain.
