A unitarized QCD model for deep inelastic ep scattering

Recent experimental results emanating from HERA support the supposition that we are encountering phenomena associated with high-density partons. Evidence for this is: (a) the large value of the gluon structure function; (b) the asymptotic predictions of high-density quantum chromodynamics seem to be realized. We propose a model based on the Glauber-Mueller eikonal formalism, which incorporates screening corrections. Numerical estimates calculated using this model are consistent with the experimental data, and in addition provide a natural explanation for the size of the deviation from the standard DGLAP result. To obtain a complete picture we review some of our previous results pertaining to the logarithmic slope of F₂, and the inclusive production of J/Ψ. Alternative approaches which deal with saturation phenomena are discussed, and new experiments are suggested. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version).