Numerical inverse scattering transform for the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, we develop the numerical inverse scattering transform (NIST) for solving the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger (DNLS) equation. The key technique involves formulating a Riemann–Hilbert problem that is associated with the initial value problem and solving it numerically. Before solving the Riemann–Hilbert problem (RHP), two essential operations need to be carried out. Firstly, high-precision numerical calculations are performed on the scattering data. Secondly, the RHP is deformed using the Deift–Zhou nonlinear steepest descent method. The DNLS equation has a continuous spectrum consisting of the real and imaginary axes and features three saddle points, which introduces complexity not encountered in previous NIST approaches. In our numerical inverse scattering method, we divide the (x, t)-plane into three regions and propose specific deformations for each region. These strategies not only help reduce computational costs but also minimise errors in the calculations. Unlike traditional numerical methods, the NIST does not rely on time-stepping to compute the solution. Instead, it directly solves the associated Riemann–Hilbert problem. This unique characteristic of the NIST eliminates convergence issues typically encountered in other numerical approaches and proves to be more effective, especially for long-time simulations.