Model-independent error analysis ofK+-nucleus elastic scattering

Recent studies have demonstrated the enhanced sensitivity of ${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$ mesons to interior nuclear matter distributions compared to that of protons at similar momenta. An approximately model-independent error analysis technique, similar to that used in analyses of electron scattering data, has been applied to ${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$-nucleus elastic scattering at 442 and 991 MeV. The primary result of this work is that the momentum transfer range and statistical quality of data necessary to provide meaningful new constraints on the distribution of nuclear matter in the interior of large nuclei is specified. The model dependence of this approach for hadron-nucleus scattering is considered and shown to be negligible.