An Approximation Theory for Operators Generated by Shifts

This paper develops a theory about the applicability of approximation methods to operators that can be represented as a function of a shift. An axiomatic approach is used, in which a small set of conditions that involve the operator and the method are proved to guarantee the applicability. All concrete methods we know for the underlying operators are subjected to this approach. We also study the behavior of the singular values and related questions. New results concerning Galerkin approximation methods for Mellin operators with piecewise continuous symbol are given to illustrate the application of the theory.