x and ξ scaling of the nuclear structure function at large x

Inclusive electron scattering data are presented for ^2H, C, Fe, and Au targets at an incident electron energy of 4.045 GeV for a range of momentum transfers from Q^2=1 to 7 (GeV/c)^2. Data were taken at Jefferson Laboratory for low values of energy loss, corresponding to values of Bjorken x ≳ 1. The structure functions do not show scaling in x in this range, where inelastic scattering is not expected to dominate the cross section. The data do show scaling, however, in the Nachtmann variable ξ. This scaling appears to be the result of Bloom- Gilman duality in the nucleon structure function combined with the Fermi motion of the nucleons in the nucleus. The resulting extension of scaling to larger values of ξ opens up the possibility of accessing nuclear structure functions in the high-x region at lower values of Q^2 than previously believed.