Matrix-valued orthogonal polynomials related to \((\mathrm{SU}(2) \times \mathrm{SU}(2), \mathrm{diag})\). II (Q355144)

This is a continuation of a previous paper by the authors [Int. Math. Res. Not. 2012, No. 24, 5673--5730 (2012; Zbl 1263.33005)], where matrix-valued analogues of the Chebyshev polynomials were introduced. In the current paper, the authors investigate matrix-valued orthogonal polynomials in more detail and study the corresponding weight function \(W\). In particular, an explicit expression for the determinant of \(W\) is presented, proving Conjecture 5.8 in [loc. cit.]. In addition, an LDU-decomposition for \(W\) in terms of Gegenbauer polynomials is derived. Furthermore, the monic matrix-valued polynomials \(P_n\) are expressed in terms of Tirao's matrix-valued hypergeometric function, which allows the derivation of an explicit formula for the coefficients in the three-term recurrence relation satisfied by the \(P_n\). Finally, considering the Casimir operators corresponding to \(\mathrm{SU}(2)\times\mathrm{SU}(2)\), a group-theoretic derivation of the matrix-valued differential operators is presented.