Meson Theory of the Dirac Impulse Approximation

A new formulation of the Dirac impulse approximation is discussed which connects the p-nucleus optical potential to a dynamical description of the relativistic NN amplitude. Use of pseudovector πN coupling eliminates rapid energy dependence found in the original impulse approximation. First calculations demonstrate success for 181 MeV with no loss of effectiveness at 500 and 800 MeV.