Extension problem and fractional operators: semigroups and wave equations

Abstract: We extend results of Caffarelli--Silvestre and Stinga--Torrea regarding a characterization of fractional powers of differential operators via an extension problem. Our results apply to generators of integrated families of operators, in particular to infinitesimal generators of bounded $C_0$ semigroups and operators with purely imaginary symbol. We give integral representations to the extension problem in terms of solutions to the heat equation and the wave equation.