An Lp Analog to AAK Theory for p⩾2

We develop an Lp analog to AAK theory on the unit circle that interpolates continuously between the case p=∞, which classically solves for best uniform meromorphic approximation, and the case p=2, which is equivalent to H2-best rational approximation. We apply the results to the uniqueness problem in rational approximation and to the asymptotic behaviour of poles of best meromorphic approximants to functions with two branch points. As pointed out by a referee, part of the theory extends to every p∈[1, ∞] when the definition of the Hankel operator is suitably generalized; this we discuss in connection with the recent manuscript by V. A. Prokhorov, submitted for publication.