The theory of distributions is a generalization of classical analysis, which makes it possible to systematically deal with difficulties that have been overcome beforehand by ad hoc constructions, or by heuristic arguments. The theory was created by Laurent Schwartz in the 20th century and gives a unified broader framework in which one can reformulate and develop classical problems in engineering, physics, and mathematics. Distributions have many very different properties. They are a generalization of the notion of function, and their purpose is to solve problems of differentiation. Indeed, every distribution is differentiable and even infinitely differentiable, and the derivatives are also distributions. If a continuous function is not differentiable, then, considered as a distribution, it always admits a derivative, but the derivative is a distribution which is not necessarily a function. This is why distributions are widely used in the analysis of partial differential equations. The aim of the course is to make the interested student acquainted with the foundations of the theory of distributions as introduced by Schwartz in the elegant framework of topological vector spaces. Applications in partial differential equations and harmonic analysis will be emphasized whenever possible. Last but not least, the theory of distributions is a beautiful piece of mathematics, and the course is surely a good opportunity for all those persons who are interested in broadening their foundational mathematical baggage.
Topological vector spaces. Locally Convex Spaces. Fréchet spaces. Fundamental function spaces. Space of distributions. Tensor product of Distributions. Convolutions of Distributions.
oral exam
Not necessary
