Hierarchy of \((2+1)\)-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation, self-dual Yang-Mills equation, and toroidal Lie algebras. (Q1854624)

In this very thorough, clear and self-contained account, the authors generalize to the (2+1)-dimensional case (2-space, 1-time dimensions) the most salient features of the KP or NLS (nonlinear Schrödinger) hierarchy. The motivation is provided by the equation: \[ {\mathbf i} u_T+u_{XY}+2u\int^X(| u| ^2)_Y\,dX=0 \] previously studied by several authors [cf. \textit{O. I. Bogoyavlenskij}, Russ. Math. Surv. 45, No. 4, 1--86 (1990); translation from Usp. Mat. Nauk 45, No. 4 (274), 17--77 (1990; Zbl 0754.35127)], included the last two named in the present work. This equation was also related to the self-dual Yang-Mills equation [cf. \textit{J. Schiff}, Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop, Sainte-Adèle, Canada, September 3-7, 1990, NATO ASI Ser., Ser. B, Phys. 278, 393--405 (1992; Zbl 0875.35082)]. In this paper, the matrix-pseudodifferential operator version of the hierarchy is found; a polynomial ansatz in the spectral parameter then allows the authors to provide double-Wronskian (soliton) solutions, which belong to a Grassmannian. The Riemann-Hilbert (factorization) method for solution is also provided, as well as a Hirota-type bilinear identity. A very important feature of the hierarchy is the ``toroidal Lie algebra'' representation. The toroidal Lie algebra is essentially a universal central extension of a loop algebra in several loop variables; such models were also previously studied [cf. \textit{R. V. Moody}, \textit{S. Eswara Rao} and \textit{T. Yokonuma}, Geom. Dedicata 35, No. 1--3, 283--307 (1990; Zbl 0704.17011)]. The authors establish a boson-fermion correspondence, and a representation-theoretic proof of the bilinear identities. One section is devoted to reality conditions for the solutions.