Real and Complex Potentials as Solutions to Planar Inverse Problem of Newtonian Dynamics

Abstract

We study the motion of a test particle in a conservative force field. In the framework of the 2D inverse problem of Newtonian dynamics, we find 2D potentials that produce a preassigned monoparametric family of regular orbits f(x,y)=c on the xy-plane (where c is the parameter of the family of orbits). This family of orbits can be represented by the “slope function” γ=fyfx uniquely. A new methodology is applied to the basic equation of the planar inverse problem in order to find potentials of a special form, i.e., V=F(x+y)+G(x−y), V=F(x+iy)+G(x−iy) and V=P(x)+Q(y), and polynomial ones. According to this methodology, we impose differential conditions on the family of orbits f(x,y) = c. If they are satisfied, such a potential exists and it is found analytically. For known families of curves, e.g., circles, parabolas, hyperbolas, etc., we find potentials that are compatible with them. We offer pertinent examples that cover all the cases. The case of families of straight lines is referred to.