Characterization of \(q\)-orthogonal polynomials in \(x\) (Q1781856)

Based on Favard's theorem, the author gives a complete classification of \(q\)-orthogonal polynomial systems \(y_n(x)\) with respect to \(x\) that satisfy a second order \(q\)-difference equation \[ \phi(x)D_q^2y_n(x)+\psi(x)D_q\,y_n(x)=\lambda_n\,y_n(qx) \] where \[ D_qy(x)=\frac{y(qx)-y(x)}{(q-1)x} \] denotes Hahn's \(q\)-difference operator. This classification covers the polynomials of Stieltjes-Wigert, \(q\)-Laguerre, Little \(q\)-Jacobi, Alternative \(q\)-Charlier, Little \(q\)-Laguerre, Big \(q\)-Jacobi, Big \(q\)-Laguerre, AlSalam-Carlitz and Discrete \(q\)-Hermite.