Gathers the principal research on this class of functions in analytic function theory

This monograph offers an introduction to finite Blaschke products and their connections to complex analysis, linear algebra, operator theory, matrix analysis, and other fields. Old favorites such as the Carathéodory approximation and the Pick interpolation theorems are featured, as are many topics that have never received a modern treatment, such as the Bohr radius and Ritt's theorem on decomposability. Deep connections to hyperbolic geometry are explored, as are the mapping properties, zeros, residues, and critical points of finite Blaschke products. In addition, model spaces, rational functions with real boundary values, spectral mapping properties of the numerical range, and the Darlington synthesis problem from electrical engineering are also covered. Topics are carefully discussed, and numerous examples and illustrations highlight crucial ideas. While thorough explanations allow the reader to appreciate the beauty of the subject, relevant exercises following each chapter improve technical fluency with the material. With much of the material previously scattered throughout mathematical history, this book presents a cohesive, comprehensive and modern exposition accessible to undergraduate students, graduate students, and researchers who have familiarity with complex analysis.

Mathematicians delight in finding surprising connections between seemingly disparate areas of mathematics. Whole domains of modern mathematics have arisen from exploration of such connections--consider analytic number theory or algebraic topology. Finding Ellipses is a delight-filled romp across a three-way unexpected connection between complex analysis, linear algebra, and projective geometry. The book begins with Blaschke products, complex-analytic functions that are generalizations of disk automorphisms. In the analysis of Blaschke products, we encounter, in a quite natural way, an ellipse inside the unit disk. The story continues by introducing the reader to Poncelet's theorem--a beautiful result in projective geometry that ties together two conics and, in particular, two ellipses, one circumscribed by a polygon that is inscribed in the second. The Blaschke ellipse and the Poncelet ellipse turn out to be the same ellipse, and the connection is illuminated by considering the numerical range of a $2 \times 2$ matrix. The numerical range is a convex subset of the complex plane that contains information about the geometry of the transformation represented by a matrix. Through the numerical range of $n \times n$ matrices, we learn more about the interplay between Poncelet's theorem and Blaschke products. The story ranges widely over analysis, algebra, and geometry, and the exposition of the deep and surprising connections is lucid and compelling. Written for advanced undergraduates or beginning graduate students, this book would be the perfect vehicle for an invigorating and enlightening capstone exploration. The exercises and collection of extensive projects could be used as an embarkation point for a satisfying and rich research project. You are invited to read actively using the accompanying interactive website, which allows you to visualize the concepts in the book, experiment, and develop original conjectures.

​Blaschke Products and Their Applications presents a collection of survey articles that examine Blaschke products and several of its applications to fields such as approximation theory, differential equations, dynamical systems, harmonic analysis, to name a few. Additionally, this volume illustrates the historical roots of Blaschke products and highlights key research on this topic. For nearly a century, Blaschke products have been researched. Their boundary behaviour, the asymptomatic growth of various integral means and their derivatives, their applications within several branches of mathematics, and their membership in different function spaces and their dynamics, are a few examples of where Blaschke products have shown to be important. The contributions written by experts from various fields of mathematical research will engage graduate students and researches alike, bringing the reader to the forefront of research in the topic. The readers will also discover the various open problems, enabling them to better pursue their own research.

​Blaschke Products and Their Applications presents a collection of survey articles that examine Blaschke products and several of its applications to fields such as approximation theory, differential equations, dynamical systems, harmonic analysis, to name a few. Additionally, this volume illustrates the historical roots of Blaschke products and highlights key research on this topic. For nearly a century, Blaschke products have been researched. Their boundary behaviour, the asymptomatic growth of various integral means and their derivatives, their applications within several branches of mathematics, and their membership in different function spaces and their dynamics, are a few examples of where Blaschke products have shown to be important. The contributions written by experts from various fields of mathematical research will engage graduate students and researches alike, bringing the reader to the forefront of research in the topic. The readers will also discover the various open problems, enabling them to better pursue their own research.