Lower bounds for the number of nodal domains for sums of two distorted plane waves in non-positive curvature

In this paper, we will consider generalised eigenfunctions of the Laplacian on some surfaces of infinite area. We will be interested in lower bounds on the number of nodal domains of such eigenfunctions which are included in a given bounded set.

We will first of all consider finite sums of plane waves, and give a criterion on the amplitudes and directions of propagation of these plane waves which guarantees an optimal lower bound, of the same order as Courant’s upper bound.

As an application, we will obtain optimal lower bounds for the number of nodal domains of distorted plane waves on some families of surfaces of non-positive curvature.

Keywords

nodal domains, semiclassical analysis, scattering theory, quantum chaos, distorted plane waves

2010 Mathematics Subject Classification

Primary 58J50. Secondary 58J37, 58J51, 60G60.

Full Text (PDF format)

Received 21 October 2018

Accepted 4 July 2019

Published 9 October 2020