Matrix Riemann–Hilbert problems and factorization on Riemann surfaces

TheWiener–Hopf factorization of 2×2 matrix functions and its close relation to scalar Riemann–Hilbert problems on Riemann surfaces is investigated. A family of function classes denoted C(Q1,Q2) is defined. To each class C(Q1,Q2) a Riemann surface Σ is associated, so that the factorization of the elements of C(Q1,Q2) is reduced to solving a scalar Riemann–Hilbert problem on Σ. For the solution of this problem, a notion of Σ-factorization is introduced and a factorization theorem is presented. An example of the factorization of a function belonging to the group of exponentials of rational functions is studied. This example may be seen as typical of applications of the results of this paper to finite-dimensional integrable systems. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved