The string density problem and the Camassa–Holm equation

Abstract

Recently, the string density problem, considered in the pioneering work of M. G. Krein, has arisen naturally in connection with the Camassa–Holm equation for shallow water waves. In this paper we review the forward and inverse string density problems, with some numerical examples, and relate it to the Camassa–Holm equation, with special reference to multi-peakon/anti-peakon solutions. Under stronger assumptions, the Camassa–Holm spectral problem and the string density problem can be transformed to the Schrödinger spectral problem and its inverse problem. Recent results exploiting this transformation are reviewed briefly.