Quadratic Padé approximation: numerical aspects and applications

Padé approximation is a useful tool for extracting singularity information from a power series. A linear Padé approximant is a rational function and can provide estimates of pole and zero locations in the complex plane. A quadratic Padé approximant has square root singularities and can, therefore, provide additional information such as estimates of branch point locations. In this paper, we discuss numerical aspects of computing quadratic Padé approximants as well as some applications. Two algorithms for computing the coefficients in the approximant are discussed: a direct method involving the solution of a linear system (well-known in the mathematics community) and a recursive method (well-known in the physics community). We compare the accuracy of these two methods when implemented in floating-point arithmetic and discuss their pros and cons. In addition, we extend Luke's perturbation analysis of linear Padé approximation to the quadratic case and identify the problem of spurious branch points in the quadratic approximant, which can cause a significant loss of accuracy. A possible remedy for this problem is suggested by noting that these trouble some points can be identified by the recursive method mentioned above. Another complication with the quadratic approximant arises in choosing the appropriate branch. One possibility, which is to base this choice on the linear approximant, is discussed in connection with an example due to Stahl. It is also known that the quadratic method is capable of providing reasonable approximations on secondary sheets of the Riemann surface, a fact we illustrate here by means of an example. Two concluding applications show the superiority of the quadratic approximant over its linear counterpart: one involving a special function (the Lambert W-function) and the other a nonlinear PDE (the continuation of a solution of the inviscid Burgers equation into the complex plane).