Theoretical and experimental K+ + nucleus total and reaction cross sections from the KDP-RIA model

The 5-dimensional spin-0 form of the Kemmer-Duffin-Petiau (KDP) equation is used to calculate scattering observables [elastic differential cross sections (dσ/dΩ), total cross sections (σTot), and total reaction cross sections (σReac)] and to deduce σTot and σReac from transmission data for K+ + 6Li, 12C, 28Si and 40Ca at several momenta in the range 488 - 714 MeV/c. Realistic uncertainties are generated for the theoretical predictions. These errors, mainly due to uncertainties associated with the elementary K+ + nucleon amplitudes, are large, which may account for some of the disagreement between experimental and theoretical σTot and σReac. The results suggest that the K+ + nucleon amplitudes need to be much better determined before further improvement in the understanding of these data can occur. (author)