Factorization of second-order matrix differential operators and a matrix Darboux transformation

Abstract

It is shown that a class of matrix Schrödinger operators can be factored into a product of two first-order matrix operators. The equations that relate the elements in these first-order operators to the elements of the potential matrix of the Schrödinger operator are obtained. They are found to be coupled first-order differential equations in the variables of the first-order matrix operators. Finally, an example of a factorization of a matrix operator is obtained, and a general solution associated to a value of the spectral parameter is given. PACS Nos.: 02.30.Mq, 12.39.Pn