Stochastic McKean-Vlasov equations

We prove the existence and uniqueness of solution to the nonlinear local martingale problems for a large class of infinite systems of interacting diffusions. These systems, which we call the stochastic McKean-Vlasov limits for the approximating finite systems, are described as stochastic evolutions in a space of probability measures onR ^d and are obtained as weak limits of the sequence of empirical measures for the finite systems, which are highly correlated and driven by dependent Brownian motions. Existence is shown to hold under a weak growth condition, while uniqueness is proved using only a weak monotonicity condition on the coefficients. The proof of the latter involves a coupling argument carried out in the context of associated stochastic evolution equations in Hilbert spaces. As a side result, these evolution equations are shown to be positivity preserving. In the case where a dual process exists, uniqueness is proved under continuity of the coefficients alone. Finally, we prove that strong continuity of paths holds with respect to various Sobolev norms, provided the appropriate stronger growth condition is verified. Strong solutions are obtained when a coercivity condition is added on to the growth condition guaranteeing existence.The research has been partially supported by NSERC, Canada.