Zhelobenko-Stern formulas and \(B_n\) Toda wave functions (Q6571386)

This paper develops a representation-theoretical framework to analyze the \(B_n\) Toda system, building on earlier approaches for \(A_n\) systems. The authors start from formulas in [\textit{D. P. Zhelobenko} and \textit{A. I. Shtern}, Representations of Lie groups. (Predstavleniya grupp Li) (Russian). Moskva: ``Nauka'' (1983; Zbl 0521.22006)], analogous to the Gelfand-Tsetlin formulas for orthogonal groups, which were published without proof. After verifying these formulas, the authors construct `Gelfand-Tsetlin' infinite-dimensional representation of the orthogonal Lie algebra and identify two dual Whittaker vectors. Using these vectors, they derive integrals that describe \(B_n\) wave functions, incorporating all expected components of the Sklyanin measure.\N\NThe primary contribution is an iterative procedure for constructing the resulting formula in two ways. Firstly, it is an iterative procedure over the rank of the orthogonal group, where each step can be interpreted as an action of the raising integral operator, with kernel represented by an integral over intermediate variables. This bears similarities to the Gauss-Givental representation. Secondly, by combining two successive iterative integrals in other parity, the intermediate step becomes a degeneration of the \(B_n\) Gustafson integral, thus allowing explicit evaluation. This process leads to the \textit{N. Z. Iorgov} and \textit{V. N. Shadura}'s formula [Theor. Math. Phys. 142, No. 2, 289--305 (2005; Zbl 1178.81108); translation from Teor. Mat. Fiz. 142, No. 2, 346--364 (2005)].\N\NThe authors highlight two subtle points in the construction. First, Zhelobenko-Stern formulas are written for the generators of orthogonal Lie algebras in their orthogonal realization, while Whittaker vectors relate to simple root generators. The existence of factorized Whittaker vectors was not evident initially. Additionally, unlike \({gl}(n)\), the action of the Cartan subalgebra in the corresponding infinite-dimensional representation cannot be expressed as multiplication by linear functions (though it can for the action on Whittaker vectors).\N\NWhile Zhelobenko-Stern formulas apply to all orthogonal Lie algebras, the authors successfully find Whittaker vectors only for \({so}(2n-1)\). Specifically, the construction rely on solving difference equations which describe degenerate Whittaker vectors for \({so}(2n)\), where one of the simple generators acts by zero. These are basically Whittaker vectors for the embedded \({gl}(n)\) Lie algebra. Restricting these vectors to \({so}(2n-1)\) yields nondegenerate Whittaker vectors, which are used to construct the \(B_n\) Toda system wave function.