The Derivative Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation with Zero/Nonzero Boundary Conditions: Inverse Scattering Transforms and N-Double-Pole Solutions

In this paper, we report a rigorous theory of the inverse scattering transforms (ISTs) for the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger (DNLS) equation with both zero boundary conditions (ZBCs) and nonzero boundary conditions (NZBCs) at infinity and double zeros of analytical scattering coefficients. The scattering theories for both ZBCs and NZBCs are addressed. The direct scattering problem establishes the analyticity, symmetries, and asymptotic behaviors of the Jost solutions and scattering matrix, and properties of discrete spectra. The inverse scattering problems are formulated and solved with the aid of the matrix Riemann–Hilbert problems, and the reconstruction formulae, trace formulae and theta conditions are also posed. In particular, the IST with NZBCs at infinity is proposed by a suitable uniformization variable, which allows the scattering problem to be solved on a standard complex plane instead of a two-sheeted Riemann surface. The reflectionless potentials with double poles for the ZBCs and NZBCs are both carried out explicitly by means of determinants. Some representative semi-rational bright–bright soliton, dark–bright soliton, and breather–breather solutions are examined in detail. These results and idea can also be extended to other types of DNLS equations such as the Chen–Lee–Liu-type DNLS equation, Gerdjikov–Ivanov-type DNLS equation, and Kundu-type DNLS equation and will be useful to further explore and apply the related nonlinear wave phenomena.