On the Hamiltonian structure of Ermakov systems

Abstract

A canonical Hamiltonian formalism is derived for a class of Ermakov systems specified by several different frequency functions. This class of systems comprises all known cases of Hamiltonian Ermakov systems and can always be reduced to quadratures. The Hamiltonian structure is explored to find exact solutions for the Calogero system and for a noncentral potential with dynamic symmetry. Some generalizations of these systems possessing exact solutions are also identified and solved