An alternative approach to algebro-geometric solutions of the AKNS hierarchy

We develop an alternative systematic approach to the AKNS hierarchy based on elementary algebraic methods. In particular, we recursively construct Lax pairs for the entire AKNS hierarchy by introducing a fundamental polynomial formalism and establish the basic algebro-geometric setting including associated Burchnall-Chaundy curves, Baker-Akhiezer functions, trace formulas, Dubrovin-type equations for analogs of Dirichlet and Neumann divisors, and theta function representations for algebro-geometric solutions.