Fourier integrator for periodic NLS: low regularity estimates via discrete Bourgain spaces

In this paper, we propose a new scheme for the integration of the periodic nonlinear Schrodinger equation and rigorously prove convergence rates at low regularity. The new integrator has decisive advantages over standard schemes at low regularity. In particular, it is able to handle initial data in H-s for 0 < s = 1. The key feature of the integrator is its ability to distinguish between low and medium frequencies in the solution and to treat them differently in the discretization. This new approach requires a well-balanced filtering procedure which is carried out in Fourier space. The convergence analysis of the proposed scheme is based on discrete (in time) Bourgain space estimates which we introduce in this paper. A numerical experiment illustrates the superiority of the new integrator over standard schemes for rough initial data.