Inverse problems and nonlinear evolution equations. Solutions, Darboux matrices and Weyl-Titchmarsh functions (Q437793)

This book is based on the method of operator identities and related theory of \(S\)-nodes (both developed by Lev Sakhnovich), and the corresponding transfer matrix function plays an essential role. The book contains results obtained mostly by Alexander Sakhnovich (alone and with coauthors) during the last 20 years. Fundamental solutions are constructed in terms of the above mentioned transfer matrix function, and solutions of the inverse problems to recover important classical and nonclassical systems from their Weyl-Titchmarsh (Weyl) functions follow. Both self-adjoint and non-self-adjoint systems are studied. In some cases, far-going generalizations of the Weyl functions are required and the so called GW-functions (generalized Weyl functions) are introduced. The GBDT-method is introduced in the book in order to study explicit solutions of direct and inverse problems and various integrable nonlinear equations. In the case of the GBDT-method and explicit solutions, the so called Darboux matrix is presented via the transfer matrix function (depending on some additional parameters). Complicated initial-boundary value problems for integrable nonlinear equations are treated in the book using interesting results on evolution of the Weyl functions of the auxiliary systems. Explicit solutions of the nonstationary Schrödinger equation with \(k\) space variables are constructed via so-called \(S\)-multinodes. A long standing problem to recover several physically important systems from their quantum defects is solved in Chapter 9, which has been written by Lev Sakhnovich. Now, we give a short description of the content of the chapters of the book. In Chapter 1 (Preliminaries), the connections between Dirac-type, Sturm-Liouville, and canonical systems (and their Weyl-functions) are explained. Some basic properties of the \(S\)-nodes are described and interconnections between \(S\)-nodes and canonical forms are treated. Other fundamental preceding results are presented as well to make the book self-sufficient. Important approaches used throughout the book are elucidated. Chapter 2 (Self-adjoint Dirac system: rectangular matrix potentials) is dedicated to self-adjoint Dirac systems with potentials \(v\) which are rectangular matrix functions. The case of square matrix functions \(v\) is also studied. The important notion of spectral functions is introduced and inverse problems to recover a system from its spectral or Weyl functions are solved. The main topic treated in this chapter is the Weyl theory of Dirac systems with \(m_1\times m_2\) potentials \(v\). The ``nonclassical'' theory for the case \(m_1\not = m_2\) is essential for the study of coupled, multicomponent, and matrix nonlinear equations. Chapter 3 (Skew-self-adjoint Dirac system: rectangular matrix potentials) is devoted to the skew-self-adjoint Dirac systems, well-known in analysis and applications and actively studied as auxiliary linear systems for important integrable nonlinear equations. The Weyl theory of such systems is nonclassical. Recent results are presented where earlier works by A. L. Sakhnovich (on the case \(m_1 = m_2\) ) are generalized for the case of rectangular potentials. Direct and inverse problems are solved (Weyl functions are constructed and the \(m_1\times m_2\) potential \(v\) is recovered from the Weyl function). Linear systems auxiliary to the nonlinear optics equation (\(N\)-wave equation) are considered in Chapter 4. For such systems, the Weyl and generalized Weyl functions are defined and solutions of the direct and inverse problems are developed. The approach explained in the previous chapters is modified for discrete systems in Chapter 5 (Discrete systems). Discrete analogs of self-adjoint and skew-self-adjoint Dirac systems with the square matrix potentials are analyzed and applications to the isotropic Heisenberg magnet model are given. The basic factorization theorem for fundamental solutions and applications to the evolution of Weyl functions are studied in Chapter 6 (Integrable nonlinear equations). Apart from this, somewhat more complicated results are obtained on sine-Gordon theory in a semistrip. In particular, results on the evolution of \(GW\)-functions, uniqueness of the solutions of the complex sine-Gordon equation and the existence of the solution of the sine-Gordon equation are derived. In Chapter 7 (General GBDT theorems and explicit solutions of nonlinear equations), explicit solutions of the nonlinear optics equation are constructed. General theorems on the GBDT for a system depending rationally on the spectral parameter are proved. Moreover, the construction of explicit solutions in several more complicated cases (the case of main chiral field, elliptic sine-Gordon and elliptic sinh-Gordon equations) is given. Some further results on inverse problems and generalized Bäcklund-Darboux transformations are given for the convenience of readers in Chapter 8. Several results closely related to some of those described in previous chapters and obtained by the same methods are collected here. New inverse and half-inverse problems -- \textit{sliding problems} -- are introduced in Chapter 9 (Sliding inverse problems for radial Dirac and Schrödinger equations). The developed approach can be used for the radial Schrödinger equation, the radial Dirac system and the multidimensional Schrödinger equation. The sliding half-inverse problem is formulated and the radial Dirac system is recovered from the quantum defect. Using the quantum defect, a sliding inverse problem for the case of radial Schrödinger equations is also solved. Equations with Coulomb-type potentials are treated, too. The book aims at requiring only basic knowledge of linear algebra, calculus and operator theory from standard university courses; introductions to some more advanced topics are given in the following appendices. Appendix A. General-type canonical system: pseudospectral and Weyl functions. Appendix B. Mathematical system theory. Appendix C. Krein's system. Appendix D. Operator identities corresponding to inverse problems. Appendix E. Some basic theorems. The book displays the recent essential progress achieved in such important and actively developing domains as inverse problems, Weyl theory, integrable nonlinear equations, initial-boundary value problems, and also explicit solutions and equations with singularities. It presents several interesting, fruitful and quite general methods. In particular, the approach to initial-boundary value problems for nonlinear equations appears to be very promising. The book presents a clear and helpful introduction into the present state of affairs and paves the way to independent research for advanced students and young researchers.