Passive approximation and optimization with B-splines

A passive approximation problem is formulated where the target function is an arbitrary complex valued continuous function defined on an approximation domain consisting of a closed interval of the real axis. The approximating function is any Herglotz function with a generating measure that is absolutely continuous with Hölder continuous density in an arbitrary neighborhood of the approximation domain. The norm used is induced by any of the standard Lp-norms where 1 ≤ p ≤ ∞. The problem of interest is to study the convergence properties of simple Herglotz functions where the generating measures are given by finite B-spline expansions, and where the real part of the approximating functions are obtained via the Hilbert transform. In practice, such approximations are readily obtained as the solution to a finite- dimensional convex optimization problem. A constructive convergence proof is given in the case with linear B-splines, which is valid for all Lp-norms with 1 ≤ p ≤ ∞. A number of useful analytical expressions are provided regarding general B-splines and their Hilbert transforms. A typical physical application example is given regarding the passive approximation of a linear system having metamaterial characteristics. Finally, the flexibility of the optimization approach is illustrated with an example concerning the estimation of dielectric material parameters based on given dispersion data.