The degree of a \(q\)-holonomic sequence is a quadratic quasi-polynomial (Q540134)

Summary: A sequence of rational functions in a variable \(q\) is \(q\)-holonomic if it satisfies a linear recursion with coefficients polynomials in \(q\) and \(q^n\). We prove that the degree of a \(q\)-holonomic sequence is eventually a quadratic quasi-polynomial, and that the leading term satisfies a linear recursion relation with constant coefficients. Our proof uses differential Galois theory (adapting proofs regarding holonomic \(D\)- modules to the case of \(q\)-holonomic \(D\)-modules) combined with the Lech-Mahler-Skolem theorem from number theory. En route, we use the Newton polygon of a linear \(q\)-difference equation, and introduce the notion of regular-singular \(q\)-difference equation and a WKB basis of solutions of a linear \(q\)-difference equation at \(q = 0\). We then use the Skolem-Mahler-Lech theorem to study the vanishing of their leading term. Unlike the case of \(q = 1\), there are no analytic problems regarding convergence of the WKB solutions. Our proofs are constructive, and they are illustrated by an explicit example.