Transformations between nonlocal and local integrable equations

Abstract: Recently, a number of nonlocal integrable equations, such as the PT-symmetric nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation and PT-symmetric Davey-Stewartson equations, were proposed and studied. Here we show that many of such nonlocal integrable equations can be converted to local integrable equations through simple variable transformations. Examples include these nonlocal NLS and Davey-Stewartson equations, a nonlocal derivative NLS equation, the reverse space-time complex modified Korteweg-de Vries (CMKdV) equation, and many others. These transformations not only establish immediately the integrability of these nonlocal equations, but also allow us to construct their analytical solutions from solutions of the local equations. These transformations can also be used to derive new nonlocal integrable equations. As applications of these transformations, we use them to derive rogue wave solutions for the partially PT-symmetric Davey-Stewartson equations and the nonlocal derivative NLS equation. In addition, we use them to derive multi-soliton and quasi-periodic solutions in the reverse space-time CMKdV equation. Furthermore, we use them to construct many new nonlocal integrable equations such as nonlocal short pulse equations, nonlocal nonlinear diffusion equations, and nonlocal Sasa-Satsuma equations.