Wilson polynomials/functions and intertwining operators for the generic quantum superintegrable system on the 2-sphere

Abstract

It has been known since 2007 that the Wilson and Racah polynomials can be characterized as basis functions for irreducible representations of the quadratic symmetry algebra of the quantum superintegrable system on the 2-sphere, $HΨ=EΨ$, with generic 3-parameter potential. Clearly, the polynomials are expansion coefficients for one eigenbasis of a symmetry operator $L_1$ of $H$ in terms of an eigenbasis of another symmetry operator $L_2$, but the exact relationship appears not to have been made explicit. We work out the details of the expansion to show, explicitly, how the polynomials arise and how the principal properties of these functions: the measure, 3-term recurrence relation, 2nd order difference equation, duality of these relations, permutation symmetry, intertwining operators and an alternate derivation of Wilson functions -- follow from the symmetry of this quantum system. There is active interest in the relation between multivariable Wilson polynomials and the quantum superintegrable system on the $n$-sphere with generic potential, and these results should aid in the generalization. Contracting function space realizations of irreducible representations of this quadratic algebra to the other superintegrable systems one can obtain the full Askey scheme of orthogonal hypergeometric polynomials. All of these contractions of superintegrable systems with potential are uniquely induced by Wigner Lie algebra contractions of $so(3, C )$ and $e(2, C)$. All of the polynomials produced are interpretable as quantum expansion coefficients. It is important to extend this process to higher dimensions.