High momentum components in nuclei.

To clarify the analysis of our existing backward proton scattering data in terms of high momentum components in nuclei, we have measured exclusive cross sections for the backward energetic protons in coincidence with the ..gamma.. rays emitted by the target. At 200 MeV incident proton energy, the mass distribution of the residual nuclei from a /sup 28/Si target suggests a single scattering reaction on a nucleon of the target. We have also performed large momentum transfer electron scattering on /sup 12/C and /sup 58/Ni using a 640 MeV electron beam. These data analyzed within the quasi-two-body scaling approach display a scaling regime identical to the one previously observed for the protons. Both of these features give credence to the ''single scattering,'' basic assumption in the quasi-two-body scaling theory. The experimental momentum distribution is in good agreement with several theoretical predictions which include short range correlations.