The nuclear many body problem explored by electron scattering

Precise experimental evidence from electron scattering measurements accumulated over the last decade has brought the realization the nuclear mean field theory cannot adequately describe a wide range of nuclear phenomena. Most notably it systematically overpredicts single particle observables. Recent theoretical work suggests that multiparticle correlations may be responsible for the observed reduction in strength. A critical evaluation of the available experimental evidence will be presented with particular emphasis on the lead region. Key concepts such as the idea of independent particle motion in a saturated quantum liquid and important parameters such as the compressibility of nuclear matter will be re-examined in the light of the new experimental evidence