Inverse scattering for real-valued scattering potentials

The inverse scattering theory and algorithms developed within the distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA) in Devaney and Dennison (2003 Inverse Problems 19 855-70) and Dennison and Devaney (2004 Inverse Problems 20 1307-24) are adapted to the case of scattering potentials that are constrained to be strictly real valued. In particular, it is shown that the constraint that the scattering potential be real valued can be cast into the form of additional scattering data that can then be incorporated directly into the DWBA reconstruction algorithms presented in the above two references. The letter includes computer simulations illustrating the improvement on reconstruction quality for real-valued scattering potentials attained by using the new algorithm.