The momentum distribution of the nucleons (protons and neutrons) in atomic nuclei is an important component of our knowledge of nuclear structure that determines many of the features of nuclear reactions, such as those involving knockout, inelastic scattering, or transfer processes at high energies. The distribution can be calculated from several nuclear models, and the correctness of the result assessed by using it in a reaction calculation and comparing the cross-section obtained with that found experimentally. These calculations have many difficulties, which are associated with the many-body nature of the problem and the effects of short-range correlations. The complexity of the subject means that many mathematical techniques are needed. This book discusses these techniques and shows how the results may be related to experimental measurements.
