Concerned with the photoproduction of pions from complex nuclei, this text considers the detailed form of the elementary photopion amplitude, the pion-nucleus optical potential, nuclear structure and the off-shell and medium effects on the elementary amplitude in nuclear processes.

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.