Exact solutions of nonlinear evolution equations of the AKNS class

Abstract

AbstractThe problem of obtaining explicit and exact solutions of soliton equations of the AKNS class is considered. The technique developed relies on the construction of the wave functions which are solutions of the associated AKNS system; that is, a linear eigenvalue problem in the form of a system of first order partial differential equations. The method of characteristics is used and Bäcklund transformations are employed to generate new solutions from the old. Thus, families of new solutions for the KdV equation, the mKdV equation, the sine-Gordon equation and the nonlinear Schrôdinger equation are obtained, avoiding the solution of some Riccati equations. Our results in the KdV case include those obtained recently by other investigators.