Askey-Wilson polynomials and the quantum group \(SU_ q(2)\) (Q919503)

The Askey-Wilson polynomials are a 4-parameter family of \(q\)-orthogonal polynomials expressed by the basic hypergeometric series \({}_ 4\phi_ 3\). This article makes the observation that a (partially discrete) 4- parameter family of Askey-Wilson polynomials is realised as ``doubly associated spherical functions'' on the quantum group \(SU_ q(2)\). This result is proven by generalising the arguments of Koornwinder which realised a 2 parameter subfamily of Askey-Wilson polynomials as zonal spherical functions on \(SU_ q(2)\) to non-zonal cases. An addition formula for Koornwinder's 2 parameter extension of the continuous q- Legendre polynomials is derived.