A Measurement of Inclusive Quasi-Elastic Electron Scattering Cross Sections at High Momentum Transfer

Citation

Potterveld, David Henry (1989) A Measurement of Inclusive Quasi-Elastic Electron Scattering Cross Sections at High Momentum Transfer. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/y2ef-tj92. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06042013-092346016

Abstract

We have measured inclusive electron-scattering cross sections for targets of ⁴He, C, Al, Fe, and Au, for kinematics spanning the quasi-elastic peak, with squared, four­ momentum transfers (q²) between 0.23 and 2.89 (GeV/c)². Additional data were measured for Fe with q²'s up to 3.69 (GeV/c)² These cross sections were analyzed for the y-scaling behavior expected from a simple, impulse-approximation model, and are found to approach a scaling limit at the highest q²'s. The q² approach to scaling is compared with a calculation for infinite nuclear matter, and relationships between the scaling function and nucleon momentum distributions are discussed. Deviations from perfect scaling are used to set limits on possible changes in the size of nucleons inside the nucleus.

Thesis Files