  Wavelet based algorithms in numerical analysis are similar to other transform
methods in that vectors and operators are expanded into a basis and the
computations take place in this new system of coordinates. However, due to the
recursive definition of wavelets, their controllable localization in both space
and wave number (time and frequency) domains, and the vanishing moments
property, wavelet based algorithms exhibit new and important properties.
  For example, the multiresolution structure of the wavelet expansions brings
about an efficient organization of transformations on a given scale and of
interactions between different neighbouring scales. Moreover, wide classes of
operators which naively would require a full (dense) matrix for their numerical
description, have sparse representations in wavelet bases. For these operators
sparse representations lead to fast numerical algorithms, and thus address a
critical numerical issue.
  We note that wavelet based algorithms provide a systematic generalization of
the Fast Multipole Method (FMM) and its descendents.
  These topics will be the subject of the lecture. Starting from the notion of
multiresolution analysis, we will consider the so-called non-standard form
(which achieves decoupling among the scales) and the associated fast numerical
algorithms. Examples of non-standard forms of several basic operators (e.g.
derivatives) will be computed explicitly.
