Impact parameter dependent S-matrix for dipole-proton scattering from diffractive meson electroproduction

We extract the S-matrix element for dipole-proton scattering using the data on diffractive electroproduction of vector mesons at HERA. By considering the full t dependence of this process we are able to reliably unfold the profile of the S-matrix for impact parameter values b > 0.3 fm. We show that the I results depend only weakly on the choice of the form for the vector meson wave function. We relate this result to the discussion about possible saturation effects at HERA. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.