Relativistic eikonal approximation in high-energy A(e,e'p) reactions

A fully relativistic model for the description of exclusive (e,e'p) reactions off nuclear targets at high energies and momentum transfers is outlined. It is based on the eikonal approximation for the ejectile scattering wave function and a relativistic mean-field approximation to the Walecka model. Results for ^{12}C(e,e'p) and ^{16}O(e,e'p) differential cross sections and separated structure functions are presented for four-momenta in the range 0.8 \leq Q^{2} \leq 20 (GeV/c)^{2}. The regions of applicability of the eikonal approximation are studied and observed to be confined to proton knockout in a relatively small cone about the momentum transfer. A simple criterium defining the boundaries of this cone is determined. The Q^2 dependence of the effect of off-shell ambiguities on the different (e,e'p) structure functions is addressed. At sufficiently high values of Q^2 their impact on the cross sections is illustrated to become practically negligible. It is pointed out that for the whole range of Q^2 values studied here, the bulk of the relativistic effects arising from the coupling between the lower components in the wave functions, is manifesting itself in the longitudinal-transverse interference term.