W-Symmetries of Ito stochastic differential equations

We discuss W-symmetries of Ito stochastic differential equations, introduced in a recent paper by Gaeta and Spadaro [J. Math. Phys. 2017]. In particular, we discuss the general form of acceptable generators for continuous (Lie-point) W-symmetry, arguing they are related to the (linear) conformal group, and how W-symmetries can be used in the integration of Ito stochastic equations along Kozlov theory for standard (deterministic or random) symmetries. It turns out this requires, in general, to consider more general classes of stochastic equations than just Ito ones.Comment: Preprint version; final (improved) version to appear in J. Math. Phy

Twisted symmetries of differential equations

We review the basic ideas lying at the foundation of the recently developed theory of twisted symmetries of differential equations, and some of its developments

Asymptotic symmetries in an optical lattice

It was recently remarked by Lutz [{\it Phys. Rev. A} {\bf 67} (2003), 051402(R)] that the equation for the marginal Wigner distribution in an optical lattice admits a scale-free distribution corresponding to Tsallis statistics. Here we show that this distribution is invariant under an asymptotic symmetry of the equation, hence that this scale-free behavior can be understood in terms of symmetry analysis

Symmetry of stochastic equations

Symmetry methods are by now recognized as one of the main tools to attack deterministic differential equations (both ODEs and PDEs); the situation is quite different for what concerns stochastic differential equations: here, symmetry considerations are of course quite widely used by theoretical physicists, but a rigorous and general theory comparable to the one developed for deterministic equation is still lacking. In the following I will report on some work I have done on symmetries of stochastic (Ito) equations, and how these compare with the symmetries of the associated diffusion (Fokker-Planck) equations.Comment: Work prepared for the Kyev SNMP2003 conference proceeding

Simple and collective twisted symmetries

After the introduction of $\lambda$-symmetries by Muriel and Romero, several other types of so called "twisted symmetries" have been considered in the literature (their name refers to the fact they are defined through a deformation of the familiar prolongation operation); they are as useful as standard symmetries for what concerns symmetry reduction of ODEs or determination of special (invariant) solutions for PDEs and have thus attracted attention. The geometrical relation of twisted symmetries to standard ones has already been noted: for some type of twisted symmetries (in particular, $\lambda$ and $\mu$-symmetries), this amounts to a certain kind of gauge transformation. In a previous review paper [G. Gaeta, "Twisted symmetries of differential equations", {\it J. Nonlin. Math. Phys.}, {\bf 16-S} (2009), 107-136] we have surveyed the first part of the developments of this theory; in the present paper we review recent developments. In particular, we provide a unifying geometrical description of the different types of twisted symmetries; this is based on the classical Frobenius reduction applied to distribution generated by Lie-point (local) symmetries.Comment: 40 pages; to appear in J. Nonlin. Math. Phys. 21 (2014), 593-62

Lie-Poincare' transformations and a reduction criterion in Landau theory

In the Landau theory of phase transitions one considers an effective potential $\Phi$ whose symmetry group $G$ and degree $d$ depend on the system under consideration; generally speaking, $\Phi$ is the most general $G$-invariant polynomial of degree $d$. When such a $\Phi$ turns out to be too complicate for a direct analysis, it is essential to be able to drop unessential terms, i.e. to apply a simplifying criterion. Criteria based on singularity theory exist and have a rigorous foundation, but are often very difficult to apply in practice. Here we consider a simplifying criterion (as stated by Gufan) and rigorously justify it on the basis of classical Lie-Poincar\'e theory as far as one deals with fixed values of the control parameter(s) in the Landau potential; when one considers a range of values, in particular near a phase transition, the criterion has to be accordingly partially modified, as we discuss. We consider some specific cases of group $G$ as examples, and study in detail the application to the Sergienko-Gufan-Urazhdin model for highly piezoelectric perovskites.Comment: 32 pages, no figures. To appear in Annals of Physic

Poincar\'e-like approach to Landau theory. II. Simplifying the Landau-deGennes potential for nematic liquid crystals

In a previous paper we have discussed how the Landau potential (entering in Landau theory of phase transitions) can be simplified using the Poincar\'e normalization procedure. Here we apply this approach to the Landau-deGennes functional for the isotropic-nematic transitions, and transitions between different nematic phases, in liquid crystals. {We give special attention to applying our method in the region near the main transition point, showing in full detail how this can be done via a suitable simple modification of our Poincar\'e-like method. We also consider the question if biaxial phases can branch directly off the fully symmetric state; some partial results in this direction are presented

Lambda and mu-symmetries

Lambda-symmetries of ODEs were introduced by Muriel and Romero, and discussed by C. Muriel in her talk at SPT2001. Here we provide a geometrical characterization of lambda-prolongations, and a generalization of these -- and of lambda-symmetries -- to PDEs and systems thereof