A variational approach to Lax representations (Q2422434)

In the present paper, the Lagrangian multiform formalism, proposed by \textit{S. Lobb} and the second author [J. Phys. A, Math. Theor. 42, No. 45, Article ID 454013, 18 p. (2009; Zbl 1196.37117)], is applied to the Zakharov-Mikhailov's Lagrangian [\textit{V. E. Zakharov} and \textit{A. V. Mikhajlov}, Funct. Anal. Appl. 14, 43--44 (1980; Zbl 0473.35075); translation from Funkts. Anal. Prilozh. 14, No. 1, 55--56 (1980)]. By introducing an extra ``ghost'' independent variable and an extra connection form component corresponding to it, the authors extend the original Zakharov-Mikhailov's Lax pair to a Lax triple. That auxiliary triple is then incorporated into a Lagrangian 2-form, whose Euler-Lagrange equations yield to the Zakharov-Mikhailov's Lax representation along with the nonlinear evolution equations, which are the compatibility conditions of that Lax representation. As a simple illustration of their general construction, the authors consider in detail the special case of matrix Ablowitz-Kaup-Newell-Segur hierarchy. The paper would be of interest for readers with expertise in the areas of integrable partial differential equations and/or the application of variational methods to differential equations.