Hypergeometric functions and the Tricomi operator (Q2504040)

In the present paper it is considered the operator \({\mathfrak I}= y\Delta_x+{\partial^2\over\partial y^2}\), with \(\Delta_x= \sum^n_{j=1} {\partial^2\over\partial x^2_j}\), \(n\geq 1\), a natural generalization of the classical Tricomi operator in \(\mathbb{R}^2\). In a previous article [J. Funct. Anal. 183, No. 2, 472--497 (2001; Zbl 0990.35004)] the authors obtained via partial Fourier transform in \(x\) explicit expressions for fundamental solutions of \({\mathfrak I}\), relative to points on the hyperplane \(y= 0\). Such a method led them to calculate inverse Fourier transforms of Bessel functions which, in turn, revealed the importance of certain hypergeometric functions (depending on the ``space dimension'' \(n\)) that are intimately related to the operator \({\mathfrak I}\). Here the authors look for fundamental solutions of \({\mathfrak I}\) relative to an arbitrary point \((x_0, y_0)\), located in the hyperbolic region \((y> 0)\) of the operator, and which are supported by the ``forward'' characteristic conoid of \({\mathfrak I}\) with vertex at \((x_0, y_0)\). The method is based upon the notion of hypergeometric distributions introduced by \textit{S. Delache} and \textit{J. Leray} in [Bull. Soc. Math. Fr. 99, 313--336 (1971; Zbl 0209.12701)], and also considered by \textit{I. M. Gel'fand} and \textit{G. E. Shilov} in [Generalized functions. Vol. I: Properties and operations. Translated by E. Saletan, New York and London: Cademic Press. XVIII, 423 p. (1964; Zbl 0115.33101)].