Inverse-Scattering Theory and the Density Perturbations from Inflation

Inflationary cosmology provides a successful paradigm for solving several problems, notably the generation of density perturbations which seed the formation of observed cosmic structure. We show how to use inverse scattering theory as the basis for the inflationary reconstruction program, the goal of which is to gain information about the physics which drives inflation. Inverse scattering theory provides an effective and well-motivated procedure, having a sound mathematical basis and being of sufficient generality that it can be considered the foundation for a non-parametric reconstruction program. We show how simple properties of the power spectrum translate directly into statements about the evolution of the background geometry during inflation.