Determination of the proton spectral function of \isotope[12][]{C} from $(e,e^\prime p)$ data

The determination of the nuclear spectral function from the measured cross section of the electron-nucleus scattering process $e + A \to e^\prime + p + (A-1)$is discussed, and illustrated for the case of a carbon target. The theoretical model based on the local density approximation, previously employed to derive the spectral function from a combination of accurate theoretical calculations and experimental data, has been developed further by including additional information obtained from measurements performed with high missing energy resolution. The implications for the analysis of $\gamma$-ray emission associated with nuclear deexcitation are considered.