Orthogonal divided differences and Schubert polynomials, \(\widetilde P\)-functions, and vertex operators (Q5954571)

Continuing their work from a previous paper [Adv. Math. 140, 1-43 (1998; Zbl 0951.14035)], the authors develop a calculus of divided differences for types \(B\) and \(D\) (i.e., for the orthogonal groups). (In the quoted paper, a corresponding calculus had been developed for type \(C\).) The main result of this paper describes the action of a certain divided difference operator on the product of a (variant of a) Schur \(P\)-polynomial times a (type \(A\)) Schubert polynomial, the result being either 0 or an explicitly described (variant of a) \(P\)-polynomial (up to a multiplicative constant). Applications of this result to type \(D\) Schubert polynomials are briefly discussed, and it is indicated that these results have also implications for the cohomological study of Schubert varieties for the orthogonal groups and the related degeneracy loci.