Optical potentials for the antiproton nucleus interactions

The nuclear interactions of atomic and low energy antiprotons are studied. Measurements of level shifts and widths in the lightest elements are analyzed and compared with new results obtained in heavy nuclei. Simple geometric properties of antiproton - nucleus interactions are demonstrated. Upon this background one finds some anomalies that indicate strong energy dependence in the subthreshold antiproton - nucleon interactions. The use of of antiproton in studies of the nuclear surface is briefly discussed.