On a functional equation of Pexider type (Q1110004)

The author proves that the only solutions of the functional equation (all functions are from \({\mathbb{C}}\) to \({\mathbb{C}})\) \[ | f(z+w)|^ 2+| g(z-w)|^ 2=| h(z+\bar w)|^ 2+| k(z-\bar w)|^ 2, \] where - indicates complex conjugate, in which f, g, h, k are entire, are f, g, h, k all linear or f, g, h, k all linear combinations of \(e^{\lambda z}\) and \(e^{-\lambda z}\), where the eight constants in either case are subject to certain restrictions. The related equation \(| f(z+w)+g(z-w)| =| h(z+\bar w)+k(z-\bar w)|\) is also solved (where again f, g, h, k are presumed entire), and a geometric application is indicated. These results generalize work done over twenty years earlier by the author for the case \(f=g=h=k\).