A model for $F_L$ structure function at low values of $Q^2$ and $x$ - revisited

A reanalysis of the model for the longitudinal structure function $F_L (x,Q^2)$ at low $x$ and low $Q^2$ was undertaken, in view of the advent of the EIC. The model includes the kinematic constraint $F_L\sim Q^4$ as $Q^2\rightarrow$ 0. It is based on the photon-gluon fusion mechanism suitably extrapolated to the region of low $Q^2$. Revised model was critically updated, extended to the EIC kinematic region, and e.g. contains new parameterisations of the parton distribution functions.