Applications of commuting difference operators to orthogonal polynomials in several variables (Q1354892)

Elementary properties of the so-called Koornwinder-Macdonald multivariable Askey-Wilson polynomials are discussed. The orthogonality, the difference equations, the recurrence relations, and the orthonormalization constants are studied for these polynomials. An essential role is played here by a family of commuting difference operators that are simultaneously diagonalized by these multivariable Askey-Wilson polynomials. These operators were studied before by \textit{J. F. van Diejen} [Compos. Math. 95, No. 2, 183-233 (1995; Zbl 0838.33010)]. Most results are given without complete proofs. For a more detailed treatment including proofs the author refers to his paper [Invent. Math. 126, No. 2, 319-339 (1996; Zbl 0869.33012)].