Nonlinear scalar coupling models and proton-nucleus scattering observables

The effects of nonlinear scalar field couplings on elastic proton-nucleus scattering observables are investigated using a relativistic impulse approximation. Nonlinear couplings affect in a nontrivial way the effective nucleon mass and the nuclear scalar and vector densities. Modifications on the densities might have observable consequences on scattering observables. Our investigation indicates that the description of the observables for the reactions p-16O and p-40Ca at 200 MeV are not greatly modified with the use of nonlinear models in comparison with the description using linear models. © 1994 The American Physical Society.