Discrete time mean-field stochastic linear-quadratic optimal control problems

This paper firstly presents necessary and sufficient conditions for the solvability of discrete time, mean-field, stochastic linear-quadratic optimal control problems. Secondly, the optimal control within a class of linear feedback controls is investigated using a matrix dynamical optimization method. Thirdly, by introducing several sequences of bounded linear operators, the problem is formulated as an operator stochastic linear-quadratic optimal control problem. By the kernel-range decomposition representation of the expectation operator and its pseudo-inverse, the optimal control is derived using solutions to two algebraic Riccati difference equations. Finally, by completing the square, the two Riccati equations and the optimal control are also obtained. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.