We review the application of inverse scattering in nuclear physics. We emphasize the various ways in which inversion can be used to understand nuclear interactions, and survey the results that have been obtained. We discuss S → V inversion from both theoretical and experimentally fitted S-matrices as well as a new method for direct observable →V inversion. The various alternative approaches to inverse scattering are briefly reviewed, and their range of applicability is discussed. This is not a review of formal inversion methods, but the iterative perturbative (IP) approach is described in some detail together with a discussion of the physics results which have been obtained using it and other inversion methods. The case of p+4He scattering is presented in some detail as a case study exemplifying the kind of information which can now be obtained by the application of inverse scattering techniques. It also brings out the comparative properties of different inversion methods.

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Background: Formal optical model theory shows that coupling to vibrational nuclear states generates a nonlocal and l-dependent dynamical polarization potential (DPP). Little is established concerning the DPP, yet its properties are crucial for explaining the departures of optical model potentials (OMPs) from global behavior and for the rigorous extraction of spectroscopic information from direct reactions. Purpose: To appraise the application of channel coupling followed by S-matrix inversion for the systematic exploration of the contribution of the coupling of collective states to the nucleon OMP and to identify properties of nuclear potentials indicative of l-dependence. Methods: S-matrix to potential, S lj → V (r) + l · s V SO (r), inversion provides local potentials that precisely reproduce the elastic channel S-matrix from coupled channel (CC) calculations. Subtracting the elastic channel uncoupled (bare) potential yields a local and l-independent representation of the DPP. The dependence of this local DPP upon the nature of the coupled states and upon other parameters can be studied. Results: All components of the DPP arising from coupling to vibrational states are substantially undulatory with a point-by-point magnitude therefore disproportionate to their contribution to volume integrals. Information relating to dynamical nonlocality is found. The proton charge leads to a substantial difference between DPPs for protons and neutrons. Conclusions: Undulatory features in potentials found in precision fits to elastic scattering data are significant, are a consequence of coupling to inelastic channels and must be allowed for in phenomenology; they are indirect evidence of l-dependence. Within the model, coupling to excited states magnifies the effect of the proton charge on the difference between proton-nucleus and neutron-nucleus interactions. Coupled channel plus inversion is a procedure of wide applicability, complementary to evaluation of the Feshbach formalism.

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In what follows we first set the context for inverse scattering in nuclear physics with a brief account of inverse problems in general. We then turn to inverse scattering which involves the S-matrix, which connects the interaction potential between two scattering particles with the measured scattering cross section. The term 'inverse' is a reference to the fact that instead of determining the scattering S-matrix from the interaction potential between the scattering particles, we do the inverse. That is to say, we calculate the interaction potential from the S-matrix. This review explains how this can now be done reliably, but the emphasis will be upon reasons why one should wish to do this, with an account of some of the ways this can lead to understanding concerning nuclear interactions.

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