BC\(_n\)-symmetric polynomials (Q2575310)

In the theory of multivariate orthogonal polynomials, the \textit{T. H. Koornwinder} polynomials [Contemp. Math. 138, 189--204 (1992; Zbl 0797.33014)] are of particular importance since they are generalizations of the Macdonald polynomials associated to a classical root system as well as to the Askey-Wilson polynomials. The author defines Koornwinder polynomials via Okounkov's ``binomial formula'' [\textit{A. Okounkov}, and \textit{A. Vershik} [Transform. Groups 3, No. 2, 181--207 (1998; Zbl 0941.17005)]. The binomial formula expands these polynomials in terms of Okounkov's \(BC_{n}\)-symmetric interpolation polynomials. For the Okounkov's polynomials the author gives a family of difference equations satisfied by them as well as generalizations of the branching rule and Pieri identity, leading to a number of multivariate \(q\)-analogues of classical hypergeometric transformations. The author proves a number of new results on the Koornwinder polynomials including new proofs of Macdonald's conjectures originally proved in [Invent. Math. 126, No. 2, 319--339 (1996; Zbl 0869.33012) and Ann. Math. (2) 150, No. 1, 267--282 (1999; Zbl 0941.33013)] using the double affine Hecke algebra technique. The author's approach is more classical and it relies on the representation of Koornwinder's polynomials via the above mentioned binomial formula. The author also gives some new identities for the Koornwinder's polynomials including an inverse binomial formula and several branching rule and connection coefficient identities. He also derives families of ordinary symmetric functions that reduce to the interpolation and Koornwinder polynomials upon appropriate specialization. As an application the author considers a number of new integral conjectures associated to classical symmetric spaces.