High-order BDF fully discrete scheme for backward fractional Feynman-Kac equation with nonsmooth data

Abstract

The Feynman-Kac equation governs the distribution of the statistical observable — functional, having wide applications in almost all disciplines. After overcoming some challenges from the time-space coupled nonlocal operator and the possible low regularity of functional, this paper develops the high-order fully discrete scheme for the backward fractional Feynman-Kac equation by using backward difference formulas (BDF) convolution quadrature in time, finite element method in space, and some correction terms. With a systematic correction, the high convergence order is achieved up to 6 in time, without deteriorating the optimal convergence in space and without the regularity requirement on the solution. Finally, the extensive numerical experiments validate the effectiveness of the high-order schemes.