Asymptotic Methods For Wave And Quantum Problems

The collection consists of four papers in different areas of mathematical physics united by the intrinsic coherence of the asymptotic methods used. The papers describe both the known results and most recent achievements, as well as new concepts and ideas in mathematical analysis of quantum and wave problems. In the introductory paper ``Quantization and Intrinsic Dynamics'' a relationship between quantization of symplectic manifolds and nonlinear wave equations is described and discussed from the viewpoint of the weak asymptotics method (asymptotics in distributions) and the semiclassical approximation method. It also explains a hidden dynamic geometry that arises when using these methods. Three other papers discuss applications of asymptotic methods to the construction of wave-type solutions of nonlinear PDE's, to the theory of semiclassical approximation (in particular, the Whitham method) for nonlinear second-order ordinary differential equations, and to the study of the Schrodinger type equations whose potential wells are sufficiently shallow that the discrete spectrum contains precisely one point. All the papers contain detailed references and are oriented not only to specialists in asymptotic methods, but also to a wider audience of researchers and graduate students working in partial differential equations and mathematical physics.

The collection consists of four papers in different areas of mathematical physics united by the intrinsic coherence of the asymptotic methods used. The papers describe both the known results and most recent achievements, as well as new concepts and ideas in mathematical analysis of quantum and wave problems. In the introductory paper "Quantization and Intrinsic Dynamics" a relationship between quantization of symplectic manifolds and nonlinear wave equations is described and discussed from the viewpoint of the weak asymptotics method (asymptotics in distributions) and the semiclassical approxi.

Quantum mechanics and the Schrodinger equation are the basis for the de scription of the properties of atoms, molecules, and nuclei. The development of reliable, meaningful solutions for the energy eigenfunctions of these many is a formidable problem. The usual approach for obtaining particle systems the eigenfunctions is based on their variational extremum property of the expectation values of the energy. However the complexity of these variational solutions does not allow a transparent, compact description of the physical structure. There are some properties of the wave functions in some specific, spatial domains, which depend on the general structure of the Schrodinger equation and the electromagnetic potential. These properties provide very useful guidelines in developing simple and accurate solutions for the wave functions of these systems, and provide significant insight into their physical structure. This point, though of considerable importance, has not received adequate attention. Here we present a description of the local properties of the wave functions of a collection of particles, in particular the asymptotic properties when one of the particles is far away from the others. The asymptotic behaviour of this wave function depends primarily on the separation energy of the outmost particle. The universal significance of the asymptotic behaviour of the wave functions should be appreciated at both research and pedagogic levels. This is the main aim of our presentation here.

In the study of short-wave diffraction problems, asymptotic methods - the ray method, the parabolic equation method, and its further development as the "etalon" (model) problem method - play an important role. These are the meth ods to be treated in this book. The applications of asymptotic methods in the theory of wave phenomena are still far from being exhausted, and we hope that the techniques set forth here will help in solving a number of problems of interest in acoustics, geophysics, the physics of electromagnetic waves, and perhaps in quantum mechanics. In addition, the book may be of use to the mathematician interested in contemporary problems of mathematical physics. Each chapter has been annotated. These notes give a brief history of the problem and cite references dealing with the content of that particular chapter. The main text mentions only those pUblications that explain a given argument or a specific calculation. In an effort to save work for the reader who is interested in only some of the problems considered in this book, we have included a flow chart indicating the interdependence of chapters and sections.

In the study of short-wave diffraction problems, asymptotic methods - the ray method, the parabolic equation method, and its further development as the "etalon" (model) problem method - play an important role. These are the meth ods to be treated in this book. The applications of asymptotic methods in the theory of wave phenomena are still far from being exhausted, and we hope that the techniques set forth here will help in solving a number of problems of interest in acoustics, geophysics, the physics of electromagnetic waves, and perhaps in quantum mechanics. In addition, the book may be of use to the mathematician interested in contemporary problems of mathematical physics. Each chapter has been annotated. These notes give a brief history of the problem and cite references dealing with the content of that particular chapter. The main text mentions only those pUblications that explain a given argument or a specific calculation. In an effort to save work for the reader who is interested in only some of the problems considered in this book, we have included a flow chart indicating the interdependence of chapters and sections.

This book brings together several contributions from leading experts in the field of nonlinear wave propagation. This field, which during the last three decades has seen important breakthroughs from the theoretical point of view, has recently acquired increased relevance due to advances in the technology of fluids e.g. at microscale or nanoscale and the recognition of crucial applications to the understanding of biological phenomena. Nonlinear wave theory requires the use of disparate approaches, including formal and rigorous asymptotic methods, Lie group theory, energy methods, numerical analysis, and bifurcation theory. This book presents a unique blend in which different aspects of the theory are enlightened and several real-life applications are investigated. The book will be a valuable resource for applied scientists interested in some of the most recent advances in the theory and in the applications of wave propagation, shock formation, nonequilibrium thermodynamics and energy methods.

This volume contains a selection of papers based on presentations given in 2006-2007 at the S. P. Novikov Seminar at the Steklov Mathematical Institute in Moscow. Novikov's diverse interests are reflected in the topics presented in the book. The articles address topics in geometry, topology, and mathematical physics. The volume is suitable for graduate students and researchers interested in the corresponding areas of mathematics and physics.