Multiparameter eigenvalue problems and expansion theorems (Q1210864)

Because of the large current output on the subject of the title, this book is mainly limited to linear eigenvalue problems satisfying various definiteness conditions and also having a discrete spectrum and involving only symmetric operators. The book contains major results of \textit{F. V. Atkinson}'s classic [``Multiparameter eigenvalue problems, Vol. 1'', New York-London Acad. Press. (1972; Zbl 0555.47001)], mostly with different proofs, but mainly emphasizes recent work on the infinite-dimensional case. Well over 100 of its references postdate Atkinson's book (volume II has not yet appeared, possibly delayed by the dramatic upsurge of activity following the publication of volume I) and nearly 100 postdate \textit{B. D. Sleeman}'s monograph [``Multiparameter spectral theory in Hilbert space'', Research Notes in Mathematics. 22. London-San Francisco- Melbourne (1978; Zbl 0396.47005)]. The emphasis is on basic theory (with only a brief mention made of such topics as applications or methods of numerical solution) and the presentation is largely in the ``definition, theorem, proof'' style. The first three chapters deal with the existence of eigenvalues for (i) Hermitian matrices, (ii) compact Hermitian operators (including integral operators) and (iii) semibounded selfadjoint operators with compact resolvent (including differential operators) respectively. The remaining three chapters deal with expansion in series of eigenvectors in the same three cases. Each chapter concludes with brief bibliographical notes. While the book is primarily expository it also contains new results. In particular definiteness requirements are weakened for several of the infinite dimensional results. The book is a useful introduction to a rapidly growing subject.