Semi-direct sums of Lie algebras and continuous integrable couplings

A relation between semi-direct sums of Lie algebras and integrable couplings of continuous soliton equations is presented, and correspondingly, a feasible way to construct integrable couplings is furnished. A direct application to the AKNS spectral problem leads to a novel hierarchy of integrable couplings of the AKNS hierarchy of soliton equations. It is also indicated that the study of integrable couplings using semi-direct sums of Lie algebras is an important step towards complete classification of integrable systems.