On the ``Favard theorem'' and its extensions (Q5929300)

The following problem: Given a sequence \(\{P_n\}_{n=0}^\infty\) of polynomials satisfying a certain recurrence relation, find an inner product such that the above sequence is orthogonal with respect to it, is discussed in the paper [see \textit{J. Favard}, C. R. Acad. Sci., Paris 200, 2052-2053 (1935; Zbl 0012.06205)]. In particular, a so-called Favard theorem is given: Let \(\{c_n\}_{n=0}^\infty\) and \(\{\lambda_n\}_{n=0}^\infty\) be two arbitrary sequences of complex numbers, and let \(\{P_n\}_{n=0}^\infty\) be a sequence of polynomials defined by the three-term relation \(P_n(x)=(x-c_n)P_{n-1}(x)- \lambda_nP_{n-2}(x)\), where \(P_{-1}(x)=0\), \(P_{0}(x)=1\), then, there exists a functional \(\mathcal L\) on \(\mathbb P\) such that \(\mathcal L[1]=\lambda_1\) and \(\mathcal L[P_nP_m]=0\) if \(n\not=m\). Interlacing property for the zeros of two consecutive polynomials, which gives information about the preceding ones in the sequence of polynomials is considered [see \textit{B. Wendroff}, Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 12, 554-555 (1961; Zbl 0099.05601)]. The case of unit circle is presented, too. An integral representation for the corresponding inner product is given. Some extensions of the Favard theorem in terms of operator theory are presented, namely, characterization of inner products such that the multiplication by a fixed polynomial is a Hermitian or unitary operator is considered.