A noncommutative discrete hypergroup associated with \(q\)-disk polynomials (Q1919443)

The classical disk polynomials \((R^{(\alpha)}_{n,m})_{m,n\geq 0}\) generate a two-dimensional polynomial commutative hypergroup on \(\mathbb{Z}^2_+\) in the sense of Dunkl, Jewett, and Spector. In particular, for \(\alpha=d-2\) one obtains the dual hypergroups of the double coset spaces \(U(d)//U(d-1)\). This group setting was extended to compact quantum groups by T. Koornwinder; he showed that, in general, compact quantum Gelfand pairs admit discrete dual hypergroups. In the paper under review it is shown that arbitrary \(q\)-disk polynomials \((R^{(a)}_{m,n})_{m,n\geq 0}\) in two non-commuting variables with \(0<q<1\) and \(\alpha>0\) lead to an underlying discrete, non-commutative hypergroup structure on \(\mathbb{Z}^2_+\); this extends the cases \(\alpha=d-2\) associated with compact quantum Gelfand pairs. The proof is motivated by results of T. Koornwinder; in particular, the proof of the crucial nonnegativity of the linearization coefficients is based on an addition formula derived in an earlier paper of the author [Indag. Math., New Ser. 6, 83-98 (1995; Zbl 0848.17007)].