Complete determination of scattering amplitudes and nucleon polarization in electromagnetic knockout reactions

The electron-induced knockout reactions are investigated aiming at the complete determination of scattering amplitudes. This result can be achieved only by exploiting spin degrees of freedom and therefore through polarization experiments where the components of the nuclear response are separated. Particular situations are envisaged where at least a partial determination can be obtained by measurements compatible with the present experimental facilities. Numerical predictions are presented and discussed for polarization of an outgoing proton or neutron in coplanar kinematics. The role of final-state interactions and of Coulomb distortion of electron waves is investigated. In the case of an outgoing neutron, the two-step charge-exchange contribution, due to an isospin-dependent term in the optical potential, is also included.