Soliton-Generating $τ$-Functions Revisited

Abstract

Within the framework of the Inverse-Scattering formalism and the Hirota algorithm, soliton solutions of evolution equations are images of τ-functions. Typically, the latter are expressed in terms of exponentials, the arguments of which are linear in the coordinates. Consequently, often, τ-functions are unbounded in space and time. However, they are not unique. Exploitation of their non-uniqueness uncovers physically interesting possibilities: 1) One can construct equivalent τ-functions, which generate the same traditional (Inverse-Scattering/Hirota)) soliton solutions, yet allow for the extension of the family of soliton solutions to a wider, parametric family, in which the traditional solutions are a subset. The parameters are shifts in individual soliton trajectories. 2) When two wave numbers in a multi-soliton solution are made to coincide, the reduction of the solution to one with a lower number of solitons is qualitatively different for solutions that are within the traditional subset and those that are outside this subset. 3) One can construct τ-functions that are bounded in space and time, in terms of which soliton solutions become images of localized sources.