The RKFIT Algorithm for Nonlinear Rational Approximation

The RKFIT algorithm outlined in [M. Berljafa and S. Güttel, SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl., 36 (2015), pp. 894--916] is a Krylov-based approach for solving nonlinear rational least squares problems. This paper puts RKFIT into a general framework, allowing for its extension to nondiagonal rational approximants and a family of approximants sharing a common denominator. Furthermore, we derive a strategy for the degree reduction of the approximants, as well as methods for their conversion to partial fraction form, for the efficient evaluation, and for root-finding. We also discuss similarities and differences between RKFIT and the popular vector fitting algorithm. A MATLAB implementation of RKFIT is provided, and numerical experiments, including the fitting of a multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) dynamical system and an optimization problem related to exponential integration, demonstrate its applicability.