It is shown that conclusions can be drawn in regard to fundamental structure of nuclear material from the scattering of ${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$ mesons from nuclei. A calculation of the ratio ${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$-carbon to ${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$-deuteron total cross sections is presented which includes traditional medium corrections and their uncertainties. That this calculation falls well below the available data suggests more exotic mechanisms. In particular, models for the distribution of quarks involving an increased confinement range can be tested. Treatment of the ${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$ either via an optical model or in a multiple scattering expansion approach yields equivalent results.

• Received 26 December 1984

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.31.2184