A geometrical analysis of the field equations in field theory

In this review paper we give a geometrical formulation of the field equations in the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms of classical field theories (of first order) in terms of multivector fields. This formulation enables us to discuss the existence and non-uniqueness of solutions, as well as their integrability.Comment: 14 pages. LaTeX file. This is a review paper based on previous works by the same author

Multivector Fields and Connections. Setting Lagrangian Equations in Field Theories

The integrability of multivector fields in a differentiable manifold is studied. Then, given a jet bundle $J^1E\to E\to M$, it is shown that integrable multivector fields in $E$ are equivalent to integrable connections in the bundle $E\to M$ (that is, integrable jet fields in $J^1E$). This result is applied to the particular case of multivector fields in the manifold $J^1E$ and connections in the bundle $J^1E\to M$ (that is, jet fields in the repeated jet bundle $J^1J^1E$), in order to characterize integrable multivector fields and connections whose integral manifolds are canonical lifting of sections. These results allow us to set the Lagrangian evolution equations for first-order classical field theories in three equivalent geometrical ways (in a form similar to that in which the Lagrangian dynamical equations of non-autonomous mechanical systems are usually given). Then, using multivector fields; we discuss several aspects of these evolution equations (both for the regular and singular cases); namely: the existence and non-uniqueness of solutions, the integrability problem and Noether's theorem; giving insights into the differences between mechanics and field theories.Comment: New sections on integrability of Multivector Fields and applications to Field Theory (including some examples) are added. The title has been slightly modified. To be published in J. Math. Phy

Dynamical Encoding by Networks of Competing Neuron Groups: Winnerless Competition

Following studies of olfactory processing in insects and fish, we investigate neural networks whose dynamics in phase space is represented by orbits near the heteroclinic connections between saddle regions (fixed points or limit cycles). These networks encode input information as trajectories along the heteroclinic connections. If there are N neurons in the network, the capacity is approximately e(N-1)!, i.e., much larger than that of most traditional network structures. We show that a small winnerless competition network composed of FitzHugh-Nagumo spiking neurons efficiently transforms input information into a spatiotemporal output

Geometric reduction in optimal control theory with symmetries

A general study of symmetries in optimal control theory is given, starting from the presymplectic description of this kind of system. Then, Noether's theorem, as well as the corresponding reduction procedure (based on the application of the Marsden-Weinstein theorem adapted to the presymplectic case) are stated both in the regular and singular cases, which are previously described.Comment: 24 pages. LaTeX file. The paper has been reorganized. Additional comments have been included in Section 3. The example in Section 5.2 has been revisited. Some references have been adde

Pre-multisymplectic constraint algorithm for field theories

We present a geometric algorithm for obtaining consistent solutions to systems of partial differential equations, mainly arising from singular covariant first-order classical field theories. This algorithm gives an intrinsic description of all the constraint submanifolds. The field equations are stated geometrically, either representing their solutions by integrable connections or, what is equivalent, by certain kinds of integrable m-vector fields. First, we consider the problem of finding connections or multivector fields solutions to the field equations in a general framework: a pre-multisymplectic fibre bundle (which will be identified with the first-order jet bundle and the multimomentum bundle when Lagrangian and Hamiltonian field theories are considered). Then, the problem is stated and solved in a linear context, and a pointwise application of the results leads to the algorithm for the general case. In a second step, the integrability of the solutions is also studied. Finally, the method is applied to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian field theories and, for the former, the problem of finding holonomic solutions is also analized.Comment: 30 pp. Presented in the International Workshop on Geometric Methods in Modern Physics (Firenze, April 2005

On some aspects of the geometry of differential equations in physics

In this review paper, we consider three kinds of systems of differential equations, which are relevant in physics, control theory and other applications in engineering and applied mathematics; namely: Hamilton equations, singular differential equations, and partial differential equations in field theories. The geometric structures underlying these systems are presented and commented. The main results concerning these structures are stated and discussed, as well as their influence on the study of the differential equations with which they are related. Furthermore, research to be developed in these areas is also commented.Comment: 21 page