Spectral properties of Schrödinger operators on perturbed lattices (Q740061)

The authors consider periodic lattices in \({\mathbb R}^d\), \(d \geq 2\). They start from the Laplacian \(H_0\) on a lattice, which is a matrix whose entries are shift operators. Passing to the Fourier series, it is transformed to an operator of multiplication by an hermitian matrix acting on a vector bundle on the flat torus \(\mathbf T^d\). This paper includes the exposition of various examples of lattices (square, triangular, diamond, Kagome lattices, as well as the ladder, the graphite and the subdivision of square lattice) and basic properties of their Laplacians. Spectral properties of \(H_0\) are investigated (the Rellich type theorem, resolvent estimates, and spectral representation). The main analytical tool to study the spectrum is a division theorem for distributions on \(\mathbf T^d\). The proof of the Rellich type theorem for the discrete Laplacian on the lattice is based on the Hilbert Nullstellensatz. Based on these preparations, the authors develop the spectral and scattering theory for \(H_0+V\) on the perturbed lattice, where \(V\) is a bounded self-adjoint operator. The possible perturbations of a lattice are concerned with removing/adding vertices and edges. The main results are the resolvent estimates, spectral representations, unitarity of the S-matrix and the structure of the solution space for the Helmholtz equation.