Connection matrices for ultradiscrete linear problems

Abstract

We present theory outlining associated linear problems for ultradiscrete equations. The appropriate domain for these problems is the max-plus semiring. Our main result is that despite the restrictive nature of the max-plus semiring, it is still possible to define a theory of connection matrices analogous to that of Birkhoff and his school for systems of linear difference equations. We use such theory to provide evidence for the integrability of an ultradiscrete difference equation.