Extensions of kernels of Fredholm operators (Q2266432)

Let k(t,s) be a piecewise continuous \(n\times n\) matrix valued function in the square \(0\leq s,t\leq T\), which is specified in the band \(| t- s| \leq \tau\) \((0<\tau <T)\) and continuous outside the diagonal. The authors solve the problem of existence and finding of such continuation of k(t,s) to the whole square for which the resolvent kernel \(\gamma\) (t,s) for the corresponding integral operator I-K is supported inside the band \(| t-s| \leq \tau.\) The triangular factorization of the resolvent is also discussed. In some additional conditions it is stated that the operator I-K is positive definite and \(\det (I-K)\geq \det (I-F)\) for every operator F whose kernel f agrees with k on the band and for which I-F is positive definite.