Wolfgang Lay - Böcker

The subject of this book is the theory of special functions, not considered as a list of functions exhibiting a certain range of properties, but based on the unified study of singularities of second-order ordinary differential equations in the complex domain. The number and characteristics of the singularities serve as a basis for classification of each individual special function. Links between linear special functions (as solutions of linear second-order equations), and non-linear special functions (as solutions of Painlevé equations) are presented as a basic and new result. Many applications to different areas of physics are shown and discussed. The book is written from a practical point of view and will address all those scientists whose work involves applications of mathematical methods. Lecturers, graduate students and researchers will find this a valuable text and reference work.

Higher special functions emerge from boundary eigenvalue problems of Fuchsian differential equations with more than three singularities. This detailed reference provides solutions for singular boundary eigenvalue problems of linear ordinary differential equations of second order, exploring previously unknown methods for finding higher special functions. Starting from the fact that it is the singularities of a differential equation that determine the local, as well as the global, behaviour of its solutions, the author develops methods that are both new and efficient and lead to functional relationships that were previously unknown. All the developments discussed are placed within their historical context, allowing the reader to trace the roots of the theory back through the work of many generations of great mathematicians. Particular attention is given to the work of George Cecil Jaffé, who laid the foundation with the calculation of the quantum mechanical energy levels of the hydrogen molecule ion.