IMPROVED PARTON DISTRIBUTIONS AND W, Z PRODUCTION AT $p\bar{p}$ COLLIDERS

Abstract

We obtain improved parton distributions from a structure function analysis which includes new data on deep inelastic scattering and on dilepton production. These lead to improved predictions for σ(W)/σ(Z), which when combined with the forthcoming data from colliders, will give tighter constraints on the values of m_t and N_y. We emphasize how new measurements of the W^± charge asymmetry may resolve the EMC — BCDMS F₂ discrepancy and hence sharpen the prediction for σ(W)/σ(Z) even further.