Chain sequences, orthogonal polynomials, and Jacobi matrices (Q1379566)

Chain sequences are sequences \(\{a_n\}_{n=1}^{\infty}\) for which there exists a parameter sequence \(\{g_n\}_{n=0}^{\infty}\) such that \(0\leq g_n\leq 1\) and \[ a_n=g_n(1-g_{n-1}),\qquad n=1,2,3,\ldots. \] These chain sequences were introduced in [\textit{H. S. Wall}: ``Analytic theory of continued fractions'' (1948; Zbl 0035.03601)] by Wall in connection with continued fractions. In [\textit{T. S.Chihara}: ``An introduction to orthogonal polynomials'' (1978; Zbl 0389.33008)] Chihara conjectured that \[ a_n\leq\frac{1}{4}, n=1,2,3,\ldots \Rightarrow \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(a_n-\frac{1}{4}\right)\leq\frac{1}{4}. \] In the paper under review a proof of this conjecture is given. Furthermore, a characterization is given for chain sequences \(\{a_n\}_{n=1}^{\infty}\) with \(a_n\geq\frac{1}{4}\). The connection with Jacobi matrices and orthogonal polynomials is pointed out. Finally, some results concerning maximal chain and parameter sequences are derived.