Big \(q\)-Jacobi polynomials, \(q\)-Hahn polynomials, and a family of quantum 3-spheres (Q1813847)

Let \(G\) be the quantum group \(SU_ q(2)\). A quantum \(G\)-space \(M\) is constructed closely related to Podles' space of quantum 2-spheres [\textit{P. Podles}, Lett. Math. Phys. 14, 193-202 (1987; Zbl 0634.46054)]. \(M\) can be viewed as a deformation family of quantum 3-spheres. The algebra of functions \(A(M)\) is provided with a left \(A(G)\)-comodule structure and a right \(A(K)\) comodule structure for a certain subgroup \(K\) of \(G\). The irreducible decomposition of \(A(M)\) as a left \(A(G)\)-comodule is given and used to construct a \(G\)-invariant functional and a pair of Hermitian forms on \(A(M)\). Orthogonal basis vectors with respect to the forms are given and also explicit expressions in terms of big \(q\)-Jacobi polynomials and \(q\)-Hahn polynomials. These orthogonal polynomials are viewed as quantum spherical functions.