Relaxation of metric constrained interpolation and a new lifting theorem

In this paper a new lifting interpolation problem is introduced and an explicit solution is given. The result includes the commutant lifting theorem as well as its generalizations in [27] and [2]. The main theorem yields explicit solutions to new natural variants of most of the metric constrained interpolation problems treated in [9]. It is also shown that via an infinite dimensional enlargement of the underlying geometric structure a solution of the new lifting problem can be obtained from the commutant lifting theorem. However, the new setup presented obtained from the commutant lifting theorem. However, the new setup presented in this paper appears to be better suited to deal with interpolations problems from systems and control theory than the commutant lifting theorem.Dedicated to Israel Gohberg, as a token of admiration for his inspiring work in analysis and operator theory, with its far reaching applications, in friendship and with great affection.