Split quaternionic analysis and separation of the series for \(\mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb R)\) and \(\mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb C)/\mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb R)\) (Q639535)

The authors develop a representation theory of the conformal group \(\mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb{H}_{\mathbb{R}})\), where \(\mathbb{H}_{\mathbb{R}}\) is the algebra of the so-called split quaternions introduced in 1849 as ``coquaternions'' by James Cockle. The split quaternionic analysis is based on the analysis on the unit hyperboloid (identified with \(\mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb{R})= \mathrm{SU}(1,1)\)). Using an analogue of the Cayley transform there is a relation to the analysis on the one-sheeted hyperboloid in the Minkowski space. Classes of regular function on \(\mathbb{H}_{\mathbb{C}}\) (= algebra of complexified quaternions of \(\mathbb{H}\)) are introduced and studied. A Cauchy-Fueter formula is obtained. The existence of zero devisors makes the situation more complicated than in the real case. The authors explain, very clearly and in detail, the calculation of the matrix coefficients of \(\mathrm{SU}(1,1)\). Using a suitable parametrization the coefficients can be described by an orthogonal system of functions defined by the hypergeometric series. Matrix coefficients can be extended into a subspace \(\mathbb{H}^+_{\mathbb{C}}\) which is introduced in the paper. Moreover, the spaces of ``harmonic'' and ``(left)-regular'' functions on \({\mathcal S}(\mathbb{H}^+_{\mathbb{C}})\) (Schwartz distributions) are studied. A Cauchy-Fueter formula for hyperboloids is deduced. Among other important results a matrix coefficient expansion of the generalized Cauchy-Fueter kernel is obtained. Pointwise convergence can be proved. A further part is devoted to the separation of the series for \(\mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb{C})/\mathrm{SU}(1,1)\). In the last chapter of the authors' comprehensive work an interesting formula for the Plancherel measure of \(\mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb{R})\) in terms of a Poisson type integral on split quaternions is obtained. The authors indicate the deep connection between split quaternion analysis and 4-dimensional quantum field theory.