A product formula for the eigenfunctions of a quartic oscillator (Q2264005)

Let \(\psi_k\), \(k\in\mathbb{N}_0\), be the eigenfunction (unique up to a constant) pertaining to the \(k\)th eigenvalue of the anharmonic oscillator. It is even (odd) if \(k\) is even (odd). The authors observe that due to its reflection properties the product \(\psi_k(x)\psi_k(y)\) gives rise to a partial differential equation which allows a separation in the variables \(u=xy\), \(v={1\over 2}(x^2+ y^2)\), one equation having exponentials as solutions, the other being Airy's equation. Thus they are able to write this product as an integral over \(\psi_k\) and a kernel which is explicitly given in terms of an exponential and an Airy function.