On Lie algebras responsible for zero-curvature representations and Backlund transformations of (1+1)-dimensional scalar evolution PDEs

Abstract: Zero-curvature representations (ZCRs) are one of the main tools in the theory of integrable PDEs. In particular, Lax pairs for $(1+1)$-dimensional PDEs can be interpreted as ZCRs. In [arXiv:1303.3575], for any $(1+1)$-dimensional scalar evolution equation $E$, we defined a family of Lie algebras $F(E)$ which are responsible for all ZCRs of $E$ in the following sense. Representations of the algebras $F(E)$ classify all ZCRs of the equation $E$ up to local gauge transformations. Also, using these algebras, one obtains necessary conditions for existence of a Backlund transformation between two given equations. The algebras $F(E)$ are defined in [arXiv:1303.3575] in terms of generators and relations. In this approach, ZCRs may depend on partial derivatives of arbitrary order, which may be higher than the order of the equation $E$. The algebras $F(E)$ generalize Wahlquist-Estabrook prolongation algebras, which are responsible for a much smaller class of ZCRs. In this preprint we prove a number of results on $F(E)$ which were announced in [arXiv:1303.3575]. We present applications of $F(E)$ to the theory of Backlund transformations in more detail and describe the explicit structure (up to non-essential nilpotent ideals) of the algebras $F(E)$ for a number of equations of orders $3$ and $5$.