QED corrections to elastic electron-nucleus scattering beyond the first-order Born approximation

A potential for the vertex and self-energy correction is derived from the first-order Born theory. The inclusion of this potential in the Dirac equation, together with the Uehling potential for vacuum polarization, allows for a nonperturbative treatment of these QED effects within the phase-shift analysis. Investigating the 12C and 208Pb targets, a considerable deviation of the respective cross-section change from the Born results is found, which becomes larger with increasing momentum transfer. Estimates for the correction to the beam-normal spin asymmetry are also provided. For the 12C nucleus, dispersion effects are considered as well.