Multiparameter eigenvalue problems. Volume I: Matrices and compact operators (Q760641)

''The idea of studying simultaneous eigenvalue problems involving several parameters arises naturally in the treatment of the wave equation by the technique of the separation of variables. Depending on the coordinate system concerned, it may, or may not, be possible to separate the spectral parameters or ''separation constants'' when going from the partial differential equation to a set of ordinary differential equations. The former case is the course of Sturm-Liouville theory and the spectral theory of ordinary differential operators. The latter leads to a non- trivial generalization, involving several differential operators and several parameters in an essential manner. The existence of this area of multiparameter eigenvalue problems for differential operators did not escape the attention of early investigators, notably Bocher, Klein and Hilbert.'' These opening remarks preface the introduction to the book under review. Atkinson, has in this book together with his far reaching article ''Multiparameter Spectral Theory'', Bull. Am. Math. Soc. 74, 1-27 (1968; Zbl 0191.424) laid the foundations for modern developments of this important but somewhat neglected field of research. The early chapters of the book develop much of the operator machinery which lies at the heart of the subject. Multiparameter spectral theory for matrices and compact operators is treated in the later chapters. A second volume extending the analysis to unbounded operators and differential equations has been promised but unfortunately has never appeared. Nevertheless the significance of Atkinson's pioneering work has been recognised by a number of researchers and an account of the theory up to 1978 in the case of unbounded operators is to be found in the reviewers monograph, ''Multiparameter spectral theory in Hilbert space'', Research Notes Math. 22 (1978; Zbl 0396.47005). In addition \textit{P. J. Browne} in ''Multiparameter Problems: The last Decade'', Lectures Notes Math. 964, 95- 109 (1982; Zbl 0519.34015). Multiparmeter spectral theory is now known to arise in continuum mechanics, scattering theory, control theory and in other areas of engineering and physics. Furthermore work has been done on multiparameter bifurcation theory, inverse problems, as well as the numerical solution of problems involving several parameters. All these developments own their motivation and stimulus to the work of Atkinson expounded in this book and armed with this one looks forward to continued growth of an important and challenging subject of research.