Remarks on virtual bound states for semi—bounded operators

Abstract

Abstract We calculate the number of bound states appearing below the spectrum of a semi—bounded operator in the case of a weak, indefinite perturbation. The abstract result generalizes the Birman—Schwinger principle to this case. We discuss a number of examples, in particular higher order differential operators, critical Schrodinger operators, systems of second order differential operators, Schrodinger type operators with magnetic fields and the Two—dimensional Pauli operator with a localized magnetic field.