Convolution equations, canonical factorization and the state space method -- The role of canonical factorization in solving convolution equations -- The state space method and factorization -- Convolution equations with rational matrix symbols -- Explicit solutions using realizations -- Factorization of non-proper rational matrix functions -- Equations with non-rational symbols -- Factorization of matrix functions analytic in a strip -- Convolution equations and the transport equation -- Wiener-Hopf factorization and factorization indices -- Factorization of selfadjoint rational matrix functions -- Preliminaries concerning minimal factorization -- Factorization of positive definite rational matrix functions -- Pseudo-spectral factorizations of selfadjoint rational matrix functions -- Review of the theory of matrices in indefinite inner product spaces -- Riccati equations and factorization -- Canonical factorization and Riccati equations -- The symmetric algebraic Riccati equation -- J-spectral factorization -- Factorizations and symmetries -- Factorization of positive real rational matrix functions -- Contractive rational matrix functions -- J-unitary rational matrix functions -- Applications of J-spectral factorizations -- Application to the rational Nehari problem -- Review of some control theory for linear systems -- H-infinity control applications.

The present book deals with canonical factorization of matrix and operator functions that appear in state space form or that can be transformed into such a form. A unified geometric approach is used. The main results are all expressed explicitly in terms of matrices or operators, which are parameters of the state space representation. The applications concern different classes of convolution equations: the transport equation, singular integral equations, Wiener-Hopf equations with symbols analytic in a strip, and equations involving factorization of non-proper rational matrix functions. The analysis of canonical factorization for functions with symmetries, including spectral and J-spectral factorizations, related Ricatti equations, and elements of H-infinity control theory are also main topics. This book is the second book written by the four authors in which the state space factorization method is systematically used and developed further. In their first book, released in 2007, the emphasis is on non-canonical factorizations and degree one factorizations, in particular. The present book concentrates on canonical factorization and its applications. Together both books present a rich and far reaching update of the 1979 monograph, the first book in the OTAA series, written by the first three authors.