A new approach to the theory of hypergeometric series and special functions of mathematical physics (Q1177790)

The author [J. Phys. A 16, 1813--1825 (1983; Zbl 0527.33001); ibid. 17, L731--L736 (1984; Zbl 0556.33004)] introduced the notation \(^NF(x_1,\ldots,x_N)\) for generalized hypergeometric series of \(N\) variables which differs slightly from the conventional notation. He established for such functions the formula \[ \langle f\psi| x_1,\ldots,x_N\rangle = f(\partial/\partial t_1,\ldots,\partial/\partial t_N)\psi(x_1t_1,\ldots,x_Nt_N)|_{t_1=\cdots=t_N=0}. \tag{1} \] This enables him to reduce the studying of generalized hypergeometric series of functions of many variables to more simple generalized hypergeometric series of functions of one variable or to compositions of the latter constructions. In this article the author gives the generalization of the relation (1), named `` generalized operator reduction formula'', and applies it to such problems in the theory of hypergeometric functions as generating functions, Lagrange polynomials and Meisner's type relations. It should be noted that the multivariable hypergeometric function considered by the author in the above papers is a special case of the generalized Lauricella function, which was first introduced and studied by \textit{H. M. Srivastava} and \textit{M. C. Daoust} [Indag. Math. 31, 449--457 (1969; Zbl 0185.29803); Math. Nachr. 53, 151--157 (1972; Zbl 0221.33003)]. The theory of such functions and their applications may be found in the books by \textit{H. Exton} [Multiple hypergeometric functions and applications. Chichester: Ellis Horwood (1976; Zbl 0337.33001); Handbook of hypergeometric integrals. Theory, applications, tables, computer programs. Chichester: Ellis Horwood (1978; Zbl 0377.33001)], by \textit{H. M. Srivastava} and \textit{H. L. Manocha} [A treatise on generating functions. Chichester: Ellis Horwood (1984; Zbl 0535.33001)], by \textit{H. M. Srivastava} and \textit{P. W. Karlsson} [Multiple Gaussian hypergeometric series (1985; Zbl 0552.33001)] and in the papers by \textit{H. M. Srivastava} [J. Phys. A 18, L227--L234 (1985; Zbl 0544.33006); ibid. 18, 3079--3085 (1985; Zbl 0556.33003); ibid. 20, 847-855 (1987; Zbl 0591.33002); ibid. 21, 4463--4470 (1988; Zbl 0643.33010); etc.].