  In this article we develop a functional model for a general maximal
dissipative operator. We construct the selfadjoint dilation of such operators.
Unlike previous functional models, our model is given explicitly in terms of
parameters of the original operator, making it more useful in concrete
applications.
  For our construction we introduce an abstract framework for working with a
maximal dissipative operator and its anti-dissipative adjoint and make use of
the Straus characteristic function in our setting. Explicit formulae are given
for the selfadjoint dilation, its resolvent, a core and the completely
non-selfadjoint subspace; minimality of the dilation is shown. The abstract
theory is illustrated by the example of a Schroedinger operator on a half-line
with dissipative potential, and boundary condition and connections to existing
theory are discussed.
