Inverse Scattering, the Coupling Constant Spectrum, and the Riemann Hypothesis

Abstract

We use inverse scattering methods, generalized for a specific class of complex potentials, to construct a one parameter family of complex potentials V(s, r) which have the property that the zero energy s-wave Jost function, as a function of s alone, is identical to Riemann's $\xi$ function whose zeros are the non-trivial zeros of the zeta function. These potentials have an asymptotic expansion in inverse powers of s(s-1) with real coefficients V_n(r) which are explicitly calculated. We show that the validity of the Riemann hypothesis depends essentially on simple integrability properties of the first order coefficient, V_1(r). In the case studied in this paper, this coefficient does not satisfy these conditions, but proof of that fact does indicate several possibilities for proceeding further.