Kinematically complete analysis of the CLAS data on the proton structure function F₂ in a Regge-dual model

The recently measured inclusive electron-proton cross section in the nucleon resonance region, performed with the CLAS detector at the Thomas Jefferson Laboratory, has provided new data for the nucleon structure function F₂ with previously unavailable precision. In this paper we propose a description of these experimental data based on a Regge-dual model for F ₂. The basic inputs in the model are nonlinear complex Regge trajectories producing both isobar resonances and a smooth background. The model is tested against the experimental data, and the Q² dependence of the moments is calculated. The fitted model for the structure function (inclusive cross section) is a limiting case of the more general scattering amplitude equally applicable to deeply virtual Compton scattering. The connection between the two is discussed.