Fourier Integral Operators (Progress in Mathematics)

This volume is a useful introduction to the subject of Fourier Integral Operators and is based on the author’s classic set of notes. Covering a range of topics from Hörmander’s exposition of the theory, Duistermaat approaches the subject from symplectic geometry and includes application to hyperbolic equations (= equations of wave type) and oscillatory asymptotic solutions which may have caustics.

This text is suitable for mathematicians and (theoretical) physicists with an interest in (linear) partial differential equations, especially in wave propagation, rep. WKB-methods. Familiarity with analysis (distributions and Fourier transformation) and differential geometry is useful. Additionally, this book is designed for a one-semester introductory course on Fourier integral operators aimed at a broad audience.

Hans Duistermaat was a geometric analyst, who unexpectedly passed away in March 2010. His research encompassed many different areas in mathematics: ordinary differential equations, classical mechanics, discrete integrable systems, Fourier integral operators and their application to partial differential equations and spectral problems, singularities of mappings, harmonic analysis on semisimple Lie groups, symplectic differential geometry, and algebraic geometry. He was co-author of eleven books.

Duistermaat was affiliated to the Mathematical Institute of Utrecht University since 1974 as a Professor of Pure and Applied Mathematics. During the last five years he was honored with a special professorship at Utrecht University endowed by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was also a member of the Academy since 1982. He had 23 PhD students.