Gröbner bases applied to systems of linear difference equations

Abstract

In this paper we consider systems of partial (multidimensional) linear difference equations. Specifically, such systems arise in scientific computing under discretization of linear partial differential equations and in computational high energy physics as recurrence relations for multiloop Feynman integrals. The most universal algorithmic tool for investigation of linear difference systems is based on their transformation into an equivalent Gröbner basis form. We present an algorithm for this transformation implemented in Maple. The algorithm and its implementation can be applied to automatic generation of difference schemes for linear partial differential equations and to reduction of Feynman integrals. Some illustrative examples are given.