On asymptotics of polynomial eigenfunctions for exactly solvable differential operators (Q2481483)

Consider a linear differential operator \(T=\sum_{j=1}^kQ_jD^j\), where \(D=d/dz\) and \(Q_j\) are complex polynomials in a variable \(z\) satisfying the condition \(\deg Q_j\leq j\) for all \(j\). Denote by \(p_n\) its eigenpolynomial of degree \(n\), i.e., the polynomial satisfying \(T(p_n)=\lambda_np_n\), where \(\lambda_n\) is the spectral parameter. In the case, when there exists an infinite sequence of such polynomials, the operator \(T\) is called exactly solvable. It is ``non-degenerate'' if \(\deg Q_k=k\) for the leading term, and ``degenerate'' if \(\deg Q_k<k\). The first case was studied by the author and \textit{H. Rullgard} in [Math. Res. Lett. 9, 2--3, 153--171 (2002; Zbl 1016.34083)] and it was shown that the union of all roots of all eigenpolynomials of \(T\) is contained in a compact set. The latter, more complicated case, is treated in the present article. Namely, for a degenerate exactly solvable operator \(T\) of order \(k\), let \(r_n=\max\{| z| : p_n(z)=0\}\). It is proved that: \(1^{\circ}\)~\(\lim_{n\to\infty} r_n=\infty\); \(2^{\circ}\)~for any \(\gamma<b\) we have \(\lim_{n\to\infty}r_n/n^{\gamma}=\infty\), where \(b=\min^+_{j\in[1,k-1]} (k-j)/(k-j+\deg Q_{j}-Q_{k})\) and where \(\min^+\) means that the minimum is taken over positive terms of the denominator. Moreover, extensive numerical evidence and natural heuristic arguments are given to support the following conjecture: Denote by \(j_0\) the largest \(j\) for which \(\deg Q_j=j\). Then \(\lim_{n\to\infty}r_n/n^d=c(T)\) for a positive constant \(c(T)\), where \(d=\max_{j\in[j_0+1,k]}(j-j_0)/(j-\deg Q_j)\). A (conjectural) algebraic equation is derived, satisfied by the Cauchy transform of the asymptotic root measure of the appropriately scaled eigenpolynomials, for which the union of all roots is contained in a compact set.