The pion plays an outstanding role in nuclear physics as a generator of the nuclear force and as an important part of the nuclear many-body problem. At the same time, pion beams are used as probes to explore the nucleus and its interactions. As pion physics has matured over the years, a rich and diverse variety of phenomena has been uncovered. The aim of this book is to examine the underlying physical picture behind these phenomena in a systematic and coherent way. The authors emphasize the interplay between physical concepts and experimental facts more than the formal tools, which are presented in a series of appendices. The book is directed towards advanced students as well as research workers.

The proceedings reflect the recent experimental and theoretical progress in pion nuclear physics in topics like pionic atoms, pion absorption, charge exchange, (π, 2π), and others involving pions in nuclei using different probes, as electron photons or heavy ions. Related topics on chiral symmetry, low energy πN and (γ, π⁰) and quark degrees of freedom are also addressed.

Studies the theoretical and experimental aspects of photoproduction of pions on nucleons and nuclei in the range of photon energies up to 1 GeV. Theoretical predictions are presented based on dispersion relationships of multiple pion photoproduction amplitudes. The problem of a complete experiment i

Photoproduction of pions from complex nuclei has become an investigative tool for (1) the detailed form of the elementary photopion amplitude, (2) the pion-nucleus optical potential, (3) nuclear structure, and (4) off-shell and medium effects on the elementary amplitude in nuclear processes. In this book, all these aspects are considered in detail. With improved experimental accuracy and beam tech- nology the study of nuclear pion photoproduction will break new ground and become an even more powerful investigative tool. This monograph is intended as an introductory guide as well as a reference manual for grad- uate students and researchers working in this important area of physics.