A relativistic coupled-channels theory for the calculation of dissociation cross sections of halo nuclei is developed. A comparison with nonrelativistic models is done for the dissociation of ${}^8\mathrm{B}$ projectiles. It is shown that neglecting relativistic effects leads to sizable inaccuracies in the extraction of the astrophysical $S$ factor for the $\mathrm{\text{proton}}+\mathrm{\text{beryllium}}$ radiative capture reaction.

• Received 25 October 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.94.072701