Nonforward Scattering of Hadrons and High-Energy Phenomenology

This review is divided into three parts. First, we survey the general features of nonforward scattering. We comment on two large-angle scattering models (the statistical model and the proposal for explaining the "breaks" in the differential cross section in terms of production cross sections) and discuss the axiomatic results on lower bounds and the asymptotic angular dependence. Second, we review the motivation and the general formalism of the multiple-scattering model and the qualitative success of the model—in particular, its application to the nonforward scattering. Third, we discuss the impact of the multiple-scattering model on high-energy phenomenology. Here, we emphasize that, in addition to providing a concrete model for large $\mathrm{}\left|t\right|\mathrm{}$ scattering, the multiple-scattering model contains virtues from both the optical model and the Regge-pole model. Similar to the absorption model, it helps to explain problems encountered in a pure Regge-pole model. On the other hand, it preserves the past success of the Regge-pole model and opens new possibilities for it.