Approximate Diagonalization of Variable-Coefficient Differential Operators Through Similarity Transformations

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Department

Mathematics

School

Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Abstract

Approaches to approximate diagonalization of variable-coefficient differential operators using similarity transformations are presented. These diagonalization techniques are inspired by the interpretation of the Uncertainty Principle by Fefferman, known as the SAK Principle, that suggests the location of eigenfunctions of self-adjoint differential operators in phase space. The similarity transformations are constructed using canonical transformations of symbols and anti-differential operators for making lower-order corrections. Numerical results indicate that the symbols of transformed operators can be made to closely resemble those of constant-coefficient operators, and that approximate eigenfunctions can readily be obtained.

Publication Title

Computers and Mathematics with Applications

Volume

64

Issue

8

First Page

2575

Last Page

2593

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