A sequence of problems on semigroups (Q2276277)

The theory of one-parameter semigroups of linear operators on Banach spaces originated in the first half of the twentieth century, with the first monographs written by [\textit{E.~Hille}, Functional analysis and semi-groups. AMS Colloquium Publications 31. New York: AMS (1948; Zbl 0033.06501)] and [\textit{E.~Hille} and \textit{R. S.~Phillips}, Functional analysis and semigroups. Rev.~ed., ibid. (1957; Zbl 0078.10004)]. The theory has developed rapidly since then and has gained applications as well as inspirations from various fields starting from partial differential equations and stochastic processes to quantum mechanics or infinite-dimensional control theory. Some classical textbooks include [\textit{E. B. Davies}, One-parameter semigroups. London Mathematical Society Monographs 15. London etc.: Academic Press (1980; Zbl 0457.47030)], [\textit{A.~Pazy}, Semigroups of linear operators and applications to partial differential equations. Applied Mathematical Sciences 44. New York etc.: Springer-Verlag (1983; Zbl 0516.47023)], [\textit{J.~A.~Goldstein}, Semigroups of linear operators and applications. Oxford Mathematical Monographs. New York: Oxford University Press; Oxford: Clarendon Press (1985; Zbl 0592.47034)], [\textit{K.-J. Engel} and \textit{R. Nagel}, One-parameter semigroups for linear evolution equations. Graduate Texts in Mathematics 194. Berlin: Springer (2000; Zbl 0952.47036)] and [\textit{K.-J. Engel} and \textit{R. Nagel}, A short course on operator semigroups. Universitext. New York: Springer (2006; Zbl 1106.47001)]. The book under review is a problem book, consisting of 448 problems, with the proofs and answers omitted. It follows the `Inquiry Based Learning' method (Socratic/Moore method) and requires a highly motivated reader who will, while working out the exercises, (re)discover all important steps in the development of the subject. The final chapter contains extensive notes with comments on the problems which throw some light on the background and give hints and references to the literature. Even some stories from `behind the stage' are presented that give some glimpses of the course of the research quest. The problems presented vary in difficulty. While some are elementary, many are quite involved and the reader is supposed to consult the references given. The author also poses some highly challenging questions, a few of which are still open. The definitions are sometimes vague and the presentation of problems not always rigorous, but by following the appropriate references, the reader should be able to find the exact formulation. The succession of the problems is well conceived and guides the reader to developing the presented theory in a step-by-step fashion. Numerical problems are also included, as well as some applications (e.g., in probability or to Navier-Stokes equations). Many aspects from the author's field of expertise are treated. There are areas which are not covered in any of the classical textbooks, such as the use of probability distributions, nonlinear semigroups, Sobolev gradients, etc. For an advanced graduate student, the book should serve as a valuable supplement to some of the above mentioned textbooks as well as a starting point for independent research. Intricate research problems and up-to-date treatment make the text highly recommended reading even for experts in the field.