Solitons And The Inverse Scattering Transform

A study, by two of the major contributors to the theory, of the inverse scattering transform and its application to problems of nonlinear dispersive waves that arise in fluid dynamics, plasma physics, nonlinear optics, particle physics, crystal lattice theory, nonlinear circuit theory and other areas. A soliton is a localised pulse-like nonlinear wave that possesses remarkable stability properties. Typically, problems that admit soliton solutions are in the form of evolution equations that describe how some variable or set of variables evolve in time from a given state. The equations may take a variety of forms, for example, PDEs, differential difference equations, partial difference equations, and integrodifferential equations, as well as coupled ODEs of finite order. What is surprising is that, although these problems are nonlinear, the general solution that evolves from almost arbitrary initial data may be obtained without approximation.

The Inverse Scattering Transformation and The Theory of Solitons

The book is devoted to the mathematical theory of soliton phenomena on the plane. The inverse spectral transform method which is a main tool for the study of the (2+1)-dimensional soliton equation is reviewed. The ∂-problem and the Riemann-Hilbert problem method are discussed. Several basic examples of soliton equations are considered in detail. This volume is addressed both to the nonexpert and to the researcher in the field. This is the first literature dealing specifically with multidimensional solition equations.

Proceedings of the NSF Research Workshop on Contact Transformations, Held in Nashville, Tennessee, 1974

Swift progress and new applications characterize the area of solitons and the inverse scattering transform. There are rapid developments in current nonlinear optical technology: Larger intensities are more available; pulse widths are smaller; relaxation times and damping rates are less significant. In keeping with these advancements, exactly integrable soliton equations, such as $3$-wave resonant interactions and second harmonic generation, are becoming more and more relevant in experimental applications. Techniques are now being developed for using these interactions to frequency convert high intensity sources into frequency regimes where there are no lasers. Other experiments involve using these interactions to develop intense variable frequency sources, opening up even more possibilities. This volume contains new developments and state-of-the-art research arising from the conference on the ""Legacy of the Inverse Scattering Transform"" held at Mount Holyoke College (South Hadley, MA). Unique to this volume is the opening section, ""Reviews"". This part of the book provides reviews of major research results in the inverse scattering transform (IST), on the application of IST to classical problems in differential geometry, on algebraic and analytic aspects of soliton-type equations, on a new method for studying boundary value problems for integrable partial differential equations (PDEs) in two dimensions, on chaos in PDEs, on advances in multi-soliton complexes, and on a unified approach to integrable systems via Painleve analysis. This conference provided a forum for general exposition and discussion of recent developments in nonlinear waves and related areas with potential applications to other fields. The book will be of interest to graduate students and researchers interested in mathematics, physics, and engineering.

This book will be a valuable addition to the growing literature in the area and essential reading for all researchers in the field of soliton theory.