Abstract: | The first-order eikonal approximation is frequently adopted in interpreting the results of A(e,e′p) measurements. Glauber calculations, for example, typically adopt the first-order eikonal approximation. We present an extension of the relativistic eikonal approach to A(e,e′p) which accounts for second-order eikonal corrections. The numerical calculations are performed within the relativistic optical model eikonal approximation. The nuclear transparency results indicate that the effect of the second-order eikonal corrections is rather modest, even at Q2≈0.2 (GeV/c)2. The same applies to polarization observables, left–right asymmetries, and differential cross sections at low missing momenta. At high missing momenta, however, the second-order eikonal corrections are significant and bring the calculations in closer agreement with the data and/or the exact results from models adopting partial-wave expansions. |