The analytic continuation of solutions to elliptic boundary value problems in two independent variables

Abstract

An explicit representation is derived for the continuation across an analytic boundary of the solution to a boundary value problem for an analytic elliptic equation of second order in two independent variables. The representation is in terms of Cauchy data on the boundary and the complex Riemann function. This is equivalent to a representation for the solution to Cauchy's problem given by Henrici in 1957. It is confirmed that the method of complex characteristics is satisfactory for locating real singularities in the solution provided that the Riemann function is entire in its four arguments. Applications to Laplace's and Helmholtz's equations are discussed. By inserting known, simple solutions to the latter equation into the representation formula, several nontrivial integral relations involving the Bessel function J 0, and a possibly new series expansion for J μ ( x), are found.