Pseudo-differential operators which are independent of lower order perturbations

2012-05-09T20:03:00Z

In the area of pseudo-differential operators, we know that for elliptic type or real principal type operators reductions are independent of lower order terms. For example, if $P$ is zeroth order real principal type operator with principal symbol $q(x,\xi),$ then for a lower order perturbation $R$ we can always find a zeroth order elliptic operator $E$ such that $E^{-1}(P+R)E=q(x,D).$

The reason for this independence of lower terms in elliptic type operator is because the principal term can be inverted and in real principal type operator is there exists a non-degenerate Hamiltonian flow.

Are there any other class of pseudo-differential operators which have this property? If not, is there any work in microlocal analysis which tells us that elliptic and real principal type operators form the largest such class?

Note: As stated in the question, my interest is in 'reductions of operators', i.e., transforming to simpler forms. I am not interested in regularity or solvability problems of pseudo-differential operators. I am aware of examples(not stated in the question) of operators for which the solvability issues are independent of lower order terms. For instance, http://annals.math.princeton.edu/wp-content/uploads/annals-v163-n2-p02.pdf

Answer by Bazin for Pseudo-differential operators which are independent of lower order perturbations

2012-05-10T20:00:07Z

More a comment than an answer.

I am not quite sure to understand the property you are looking for. After all the principal symbol of a pseudodifferential operator $P$ of order $m$ is a positively homogeneous function $p_m$ with degree $m$ on the pointed cotangent bundle and you may ask for some property of that principal symbol, indeed such as ellipticity or principal type.

Let me give you what I believe is a significant example, not included in your classification. Consider a pseudodifferential operator $P$ of order $m$ with a complex-valued principal symbol $p_m=a+ib$ such that $$ a=b=0\Longrightarrow\text{ {$a,b$}>0}, $$ where {$a,b$} is the Poisson bracket. Then for $R$ of order $m-1$, $P+R$ is subelliptic with loss of $1/2$ derivative in the following sense $$ (P+R)u\in H^s_{loc} \Longrightarrow u\in H^{s+m-\frac12}_{loc}. $$ There are more examples with more Poisson brackets.

Pseudo-differential operators which are independent of lower order perturbations - MathOverflow

Pseudo-differential operators which are independent of lower order perturbations

Answer by Bazin for Pseudo-differential operators which are independent of lower order perturbations