The stability of one-dimensional inverse scattering is discussed. The
analysis is performed analytically using perturbation theory for refle
ction coefficients that are rational functions of the wavenumber and n
umerically for realistic reflection coefficients. It is shown that the
same instability features occur for real reflections as for rational
reflection coefficients. There are three types of error considered whi
ch are common in the application of the data. Explicitly examined are
an erroneously chosen DC level, an amplitude error and a time error. I
t is shown that the physical reason for the instabilities of the one-d
imensional inverse problem is the lack of sufficient energy penetratio
n in the potential that is examined.