sine-Gordon Equation: From Discrete to Continuum

Abstract

In the present Chapter, we consider two prototypical Klein-Gordon models: the integrable sine-Gordon equation and the non-integrable $\phi^4$ model. We focus, in particular, on two of their prototypical solutions, namely the kink-like heteroclinic connections and the time-periodic, exponentially localized in space breather waveforms. Two limits of the discrete variants of these models are contrasted: on the one side, the analytically tractable original continuum limit, and on the opposite end, the highly discrete, so-called anti-continuum limit of vanishing coupling. Numerical computations are used to bridge these two limits, as regards the existence, stability and dynamical properties of the waves. Finally, a recent variant of this theme is presented in the form of $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric Klein-Gordon field theories and a number of relevant results are touched upon.