QuasielasticK+scattering

Abstract

${\mathit{K}}^{+}$-nucleus double-differential cross sections in the quasielastic region have been measured using a kaon beam with an incident laboratory momentum of 705 MeV/c. Data are presented for D, C, Ca, and Pb at fixed three-momentum transfers of 290, 390, and 480 MeV/c. Measurements of the effective number of nucleons are compared with calculations predicted from a semiclassical attenuation model based on the eikonal approximation, and the long nuclear mean free path expected for positive kaons is found, even for lead. An exclusive (K,K’p) spectrum for C at 480 MeV/c is shown. The characteristics of the exclusive data suggest that protons with zero orbital angular momentum have been detected in coincidence. The inclusive data are described well by local density random phase approximation calculations which include isoscalar N-N correlations in the σ-ω model.