Whitham modulation theory and Riemann problem for the Kundu–Eckhaus equation

In this paper, the Riemann problem for the defocusing Kundu–Eckhaus equation is investigated by Whitham modulation theory. First, we study the dispersion relation for linear waves. Then, the zero-phase and one-phase periodic solutions of the Kundu–Eckhaus equation along with the corresponding Whitham modulation equations are derived by the finite-gap integration method. Further, employing the Whitham equations parametrized by the Riemann invariants, the main fundamental wave structures induced by the discontinuous initial data are found. Analytical and graphic methods are utilized to provide the wave structures of rarefaction waves and dispersive shock waves, and thus for a complete classification of solutions under general step-like conditions of initial discontinuity.