Nevanlinna theory, normal families, and algebraic differential equations (Q2360305)

The main theorems of Nevanlinna theory give information on the distribution of the moduli of \(a\)-points, i.e., solutions of the equation \(f(z)=a\), \(a\in \overline{\mathbb{C}}\), of a meromorphic function \(f\) in the disk \(|z|<R\leq \infty\). Besides expositions of the theory in the books by \textit{R. Nevanlinna} himself [Eindeutige analytische Funktionen. Berlin: Springer (1936; Zbl 0014.16304; JFM 62.0315.02)], by \textit{W. Hayman} [Meromorphic functions. Oxford: Clarendon Press (1964; Zbl 0115.06203)], and by \textit{A. A. Gol'dberg} and \textit{I. V. Ostrovskii} [Value distribution of meromorphic functions. Providence, RI: American Mathematical Society (2008; Zbl 1152.30026)], there are several monographs containing applications as well. These are [\textit{H. Wittich}, Neuere Untersuchungen über eindeutige analytische Funktionen. Berlin etc.: Springer-Verlag (1955; Zbl 0067.05501)] and [\textit{I. Laine}, Nevanlinna theory and complex differential equations. Berlin: de Gruyter (1992; Zbl 0784.30002)]. The book complements the mentioned monographs. On the other hand, Zalcman's re-scaling method of normal families, systematically used in Steinmetz' book, differs from the above monographs. This method is also a bridge between Nevanlinna theory and complex differential equations. The list of references contains more than 200 items including very recent results of the author and others. Because of the size, the monograph covers the material on the level of ideas with sketches of proofs. But this disadvantage is balanced by a number of nice selected examples and exercises. The following is an outline of the contents of the six chapters. 1. Selected topics in complex analysis (algebraic functions, normal families, ordinary differential equations, Wiman-Valiron theory). 2.~Nevanlinna theory (the first and the second main theorems, value distribution of derivatives, entire curves, algebroid functions, Yamanoi's results on Goldberg's and Mues' conjectures). 3.~Selected applications of Nevanlinna theory (algebraic differential equations, zeros of differential polynomials, uniqueness of meromorphic functions, in particular, an exposition of work by G.G. Gundersen). 4.~Normal families (re-scaling method, applications of the Zalcman-Pang lemma, Yosida classes). 5. Algebraic differential equations (linear differential equations, Riccati equations, first-order differential equations). 6. Higher-order algebraic differential equations (Painlevé property and Painlevé transcendents, their value distribution). I recommend this book to any person who is interested in complex analysis, in particular, in value distribution theory and complex differential equations.