Linear integral transformations and hierarchies of integrable nonlinear evolution equations (Q1108492)

Integrable hierarchies of nonlinear evolution equations are investigated on the basis of linear integral equations. These are (Riemann-Hilbert type of) integral transformations which leave invariant an infinite sequence of ordinary differential matrix equations of increasing order in an (indefinite) parameter k. The potential matrices in these equations obey a set of nonlinear recursion relations, leading to a hierarchy, associated with Heisenberg ferromagnet type of equations. Central in the treatment is an embedding of the hierarchy into an infinite-matrix structure, which is constructed on the basis of the integral equations. In terms of this infinite-matrix structure the equations governing the hierarchies become quite simple. Furthermore, it leads in a straightforward way to various generalizations, such as to other types of linear spectral problems, multicomponent system and lattice equations. Generalizations to equations associated with noncommuting flows follow as a direct consequence of the treatment. Finally, some results on conserved densities and the Hamiltonian structure are briefly discussed.