Gaussian beam interactions and inverse source problems for nonlinear wave equations

Abstract

We study the inverse source problem for the semilinear wave equation \[ (\Box_g + q_1)u + q_2 u^2 = F, \] on a globally hyperbolic Lorentzian manifold. We demonstrate that the coefficients $q_1$ and $q_2$, as well as the source term $F$, can be recovered up to a natural gauge symmetry inherent in the problem from local measurements. Furthermore, if $q_1$ is known, we establish the unique recovery of the source $F$, which is in a striking contrast to inverse source problems for linear equations where unique recovery is not possible. Our results also generalize previous works by eliminating the assumption that $u= 0$ is a solution, and by accommodating quadratic nonlinearities. A key contribution is the development of a calculus for nonlinear interactions of Gaussian beams. This framework provides an explicit representation for waves that correspond to sources involving products of two or more Gaussian beams. We anticipate this calculus will serve as a versatile tool in related problems, offering a concrete alternative to Fourier integral operator methods.