Integrable lattice equations : connection to the Möbius group, Bäcklund transformations and solutions

• Main Author: Atkinson, James
• Other Authors: Frank, Nijhoff
• Published: University of Leeds 2008
• Subjects: 510
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.502791

We consider scalar integrable lattice equations which arise as the natural discrete counterparts to KdV-type PDEs. Several results are reported. We identify a new and natural connection between the ‘Schwarzian’ (Möbius invariant) integrable lattice systems and the Möbius group itself. The lattice equation in some sense describes dynamics of fixed-points as they change under composition between transformations. A classification result is given for lattice equations which are linear but also consistent on the cube. Such systems lie outside previous classification schemes. New Bäcklund transformations (BTs) for some known integrable lattice equations are given. As opposed to the natural auto-BT inherent in every such equation, these BTs are of two other kinds. Specifically, it is found that some equations admit additional auto-BTs (with Bäcklund parameter), whilst some pairs of apparently distinct equations admit a BT which connects them. Adler’s equation has come to hold the status of ‘master equation’ among the integrable lattice equations. Solutions of this equation are derived which are associated with 1-cycles and 2-cycles of the BT. They were the first explicit solutions written for Adler’s equation. We also apply the BT to the 1-cycle solution in order to construct a soliton-type solution.