An inverse problem in bifurcation theory. II (Q1335546)

[For part I see J. Differ. Equations 106, No. 1, 10-26 (1993; Zbl 0791.34014).] The nonlinear boundary value problem \((*)\) \(u''+ \lambda u= uf(u)\), \('= d/dx\), \(0< x<\pi\), \(u(0)= u(\pi)=0\) is considered, where \(\lambda\) is a real parameter and \(f\) is a Lipschitz continuous, real function defined on \(\mathbb{R}\), satisfying \(f(0)= 0\). Under these conditions on \(f\), each solution branch of \((*)\) bifurcates at the point \((n^ 2,0)\), which is called the \(n\)th bifurcating curve. (Note that \(n^ 2\) is the \(n\)th eigenvalue of the linearized problem of \((*)\).) The main result of the paper is the following theorem: There exist infinitely many \(f\) for which the second bifurcating curve of \((*)\) coincide with the straight line \(\lambda\equiv 4\).