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The lens transform converts free Schrödinger equation evolution into evolution with a harmonic trapping potential by rescaling space, changing time and adding a quadratic phase. With the convention $i{\partial }_{s}u=-\frac{1}{2}\Delta u$ on ${\mathbb{R}}^d$, putThen $i{\partial }_{t}v=-\frac{1}{2}\Delta v+\frac{1}{2}|x{|}^{2}v$. The prefactor preserves the L2 space norm under the spatial change of variables. Infinite free time $s\to \pm \infty$ is represented by finite endpoints $t\to \pm \pi /2$.^[ref]

For $i{\partial }_{s}u=-\frac{1}{2}\Delta u+\lambda |u{|}^{p-1}u$, the transformed nonlinear coefficient is $\lambda (\cos t{)}^{d(p-1)/2-2}$. It remains constant precisely at $p=1+4/d$. This calculation explains why the transform is particularly useful for the mass-critical nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Its time interval and normalization are essential parts of the formula.

Rémi Carles studied critical nonlinear Schrödinger equations with and without a harmonic trapping potential. His work gives a lens transform relating the two evolutions in the mass-critical case. This permits information about existence and concentration in one equation to be transferred to the other, while keeping track of the transformed time interval.^[ref]