  We explore the impact of half-shell components on nuclear reaction
calculations, focusing on nonelastic breakup cross sections within the
Ichimura-Austern-Vincent (IAV) model. By advocating for the use of a consistent
Single Folding Model (SFM) for all optical potentials in IAV calculations, we
aim to reduce the uncertainties associated with half-shell components and
enhance agreement with experimental data. We present results from
deuteron-induced reactions on $^{60}$Ni and $^{208}$Pb, which serve as
surrogate targets for neutron-induced reactions on short-lived nuclei. The
application of consistent optical potentials derived from the SFM shows
improved alignment with experimental data compared to traditional global
phenomenological potentials. Furthermore, we investigate the
$^{59}$Co($^6$Li,$\alpha X$) reaction, which reveals that the half-shell
$T$-matrix plays a pivotal role in accurately modeling nuclear reactions. Our
findings suggest that a unified approach to optical potentials, accounting for
half-shell effects, is critical for a precise understanding of complex nuclear
reactions. This work highlights the significance of the internal dynamics of
the wave function, particularly in lighter targets, and underscores the
importance of the half-shell $T$-matrix as a previously underappreciated
variable in reaction calculations.
