Interpolation of cosine operator functions (Q1056890)

Given a strongly continuous cosine operator function C on \(R^+\) with values in the Banach algebra B(A) of bounded linear operators in a Banach space A and infinitesimal generator \(\Lambda\), we are concerned with the investigation of the intermediate spaces between A and the domain \(D(\Lambda^ r)\), \(r\in N\), as well as with the characterization of the domains of fractional powers \((-\Lambda)^{\alpha}\), \(0<\alpha <r\). Using the K-method we give equivalent characterizations of these intermediate spaces by means of moduli of continuity of C including reduction results both in the case of nonoptimal approximation and saturation. With respect to the regularity of solutions of initial-value problems for second order evolution equations and the reduction of well- posed second order problems to equivalent first order ones we study mapping properties of C and its strong integral S which are the propagators of such problems. As applications, the results of this paper not only provide characterizations of the Besov spaces \(B^{2\alpha,q}\) in lights of a cosine operator functional calculus instead of the well- known semigroup approach via the Weierstrass singular integral but also can be used in the approximate solution of initial-value problems for second order hyperbolic P.D.E.'s by finite difference techniques with special emphasis on the case of non-smooth initial data.