The Riccati Differential Equation and a Diffusion-Type Equation

Abstract

We construct an explicit solution of the Cauchy initial value problem for certain diffusion-type equations with variable coefficients on the entire real line. The corresponding Green function (heat kernel) is given in terms of elementary functions and certain integrals involving a characteristic function, which should be found as an analytic or numerical solution of the second order linear differential equation with time-dependent coefficients. Some special and limiting cases are outlined. Solution of the corresponding non-homogeneous equation is also found.