Lax equations, factorization and Riemann-Hilbert problems (Q2479752)

Summary: The paper deals with the problem of existence and calculation of solutions to Lax equations that define finite-dimensional integrable systems. The method presented in the paper is based on Wiener-Hopf factorization and related Riemann-Hilbert problems on Riemann surfaces. The idea behind the method was first proposed by \textit{M. A. Semenov-Tian-Shansky} [Funct. Anal. Appl. 17, 259--272 (1983); translation from Funkts. Anal. Prilozh. 17, No.~4, 17--33 (1983; Zbl 0535.58031)] but, to the authors' knowledge, is here applied, for the first time, in an infinite-dimensional setting. The method dealt with in the paper enables one to analyse the global existence of solutions which seems more difficult by other methods. An example of a dynamical system associated with an elliptic curve is completely worked out in the paper.