Numerical computation of eigenvalues in spectral gaps of Sturm-Liouville operators (Q818202)

The numerical calculation of the eigenvalues of a singular Sturm-Liouville problem \(-y'' + Q(x)y = \lambda y, x \in R+\), is studied in the case that the potential \(Q\) is a decaying \(L_1\) perturbation of a periodic function. Hence its essential spectrum has a band-gap structure. Two approaches are considered. One uses a shooting method, the other one an algebraic technique which is based on a theorem by \textit{G. Stolz} and \textit{J. Weidmann} [J. Reine Angew. Math. 445, 31--44 (1993; Zbl 0781.34052)]. Both approaches are capable of generating approximations to eigenvalues inside any gap of the essential spectrum. They do not generate spurious eigenvalues. Two examples with numerical ressults are given.