Two parameter asymptotic spectra (Q1193211)

The authors study multiparameter eigenvalue problems in an abstract Hilbert space setting. Given a two parameter eigenvalue problem \[ (T_ j+ \lambda_ 1 V_{j1}+\lambda_ 2 V_{j2}) u_ j=0,\quad j=1,2,\leqno{(*)} \] where \(T_ j\) are self-adjoint discrete operators and \(V_{jk}\) are bounded symmetric operators satisfying ``uniform right definiteness'', the asymptotic spectrum consisting of limit points of \(\lambda^ n/\|\lambda^ n\|\) (\(\lambda^ n= (\lambda^ n_ 1,\lambda^ n_ 2)\) with \(\lambda= (\lambda_ 1,\lambda_ 2)\) satisfying \((*)\)) is described geometrically by \(S^ 1\cap C\). Here \(C\) is a cone defined using the quadratic forms associated to the \(V_{jk}\). In the concrete case of two parameter Sturm-Liouville problems that is due to F. V. Atkinson (unpublished).