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A unified algebraic interpretation of both finite families of orthogonal polynomials and biorthogonal rational functions of $q$-Hahn type is provided. The approach relies on the meta $q$-Hahn algebra and its finite-dimensional bidiagonal representations. The functions of $q$-Hahn type are identified as overlaps (up to global factors) between bases solving ordinary or generalized eigenvalue problems in the representation of the meta $q$-Hahn algebra. Moreover, (bi)orthogonality relations, recurrence relations, difference equations and some contiguity relations satisfied by these functions are recovered algebraically using the actions of the generators of the meta $q$-Hahn algebra on various bases., Comment: 27 pages

Two $q$-analogs of the hypercube graph are introduced and shown to be related through a graph quotient. The roles of the subspace lattice graph, of a twisted primitive elements of $U_q(\mathfrak{su}(2))$ and of the dual $q$-Krawtchouk polynomials are elaborated upon. This paper is dedicated to Tom Koornwinder., Comment: 12 pages

The entanglement of non-complementary regions is investigated in an inhomogeneous free-fermion chain through the lens of the fermionic logarithmic negativity. Focus is on the Krawtchouk chain, whose relation to the eponymous orthogonal polynomials allows for exact diagonalization and analytical calculations of certain correlation functions. For adjacent regions, the negativity scaling corresponds to that of a conformal field theory with central charge $c=1$, in agreement with previous studies on bipartite entanglement in the Krawtchouk chain. For disjoint regions, we focus on the skeletal regime where each region reduces to a single site. This regime is sufficient to extract the leading behaviour at large distances. In the bulk, the negativity decays as $d^{-4 \Delta_f}$ with $\Delta_f=1/2$, where $d$ is the separation between the regions. This is in agreement with the homogeneous result of free Dirac fermions in one dimension. Surprisingly, when one site is close to the boundary, this exponent changes and depends on the parity of the boundary site $m=0,1,2,\dots$, with $\Delta_f^{\textrm{even}}=3/8$ and $\Delta_f^{\textrm{odd}}=5/8$. The results are supported by numerics and analytical calculations., Comment: 20 pages, 8 figures

It is shown how the spin chain based on the dual $q$-Krawtchouk polynomials is connected to a weighted hypercube through the use of $q$-Dicke states. The representation theoretic underpinnings based on the quantum algebra $U_q(\mathfrak{su}(2))$ are emphasized., Comment: 8 pages

We investigate spin and heat currents in the non-equilibrium steady state of inhomogeneous $XX$-spin chains, which act as interfaces between two bosonic heat baths. Using special functions that diagonalize the single-particle Hamiltonian, we derive closed-form expressions for these currents. For small temperature differences between the baths, we show that inhomogeneities breaking the mirror symmetry of the chain significantly reduce both heat and spin conductivities. Connections with perfect state transfer are discussed.

The finite families of biorthogonal rational functions and orthogonal polynomials of Hahn type are interpreted algebraically in a unified way by considering the three-generated meta Hahn algebra and its finite-dimensional representations. The functions of interest arise as overlaps between eigensolutions of generalized and ordinary eigenvalue problems on the representation space. The orthogonality relations and bispectral properties naturally follow from the framework.

The bivariate $P$- and $Q$-polynomial structures of association schemes based on attenuated spaces are examined using recurrence and difference relations of the bivariate polynomials which form the eigenvalues of the scheme. These bispectral properties are obtained from contiguity relations of univariate dual $q$-Hahn and affine $q$-Krawtchouk polynomials. The bispectral algebra associated to the bivariate polynomials is investigated, as well as the subconstituent algebra of the schemes. The properties of the schemes are compared to those of the non-binary Johnson schemes through a limit.

Bivariate Griffiths polynomials of Racah type are constructed from univariate Racah polynomials. The bispectral properties of the former are deduced from simple properties of the latter. A duality relation and the orthogonality of these polynomials are provided. The domain of validity for the indices and variables of these polynomials is also determined. Particular limits on the parameters entering the polynomials allow to define several Griffiths polynomials of other types. One special limit connects them to the original Griffiths polynomials (of Krawtchouk type). Finally, a connection with the $9j$ symbols is made., Comment: 20 pages; v2: clarification concerning polynomiality has been added

This paper offers a review of recent studies on the entanglement of free-fermion systems on graphs that take advantage of methods pertaining to signal processing and algebraic combinatorics. On the one hand, a parallel with time and band limiting problems is used to obtain a tridiagonal matrix commuting with the chopped correlation matrix in bispectral situations and on the other, the irreducible decomposition of the Terwilliger algebra arising in the context of $P$-polynomial association schemes is seen to yield a simplifying framework., Comment: 11 pages; This paper is based on the presentation made by Luc Vinet at Gravity, Strings and Fields: A conference in honour of Gordon Semenoff organized by the CRM. v2: Minor modifications to match the published version

An association scheme is $P$-polynomial if and only if it consists of the distance matrices of a distance-regular graph. Recently, bivariate $P$-polynomial association schemes of type $(\alpha,\beta)$ were introduced by Bernard et al., and multivariate $P$-polynomial association schemes were later defined by Bannai et al. In this paper, the notion of $m$-distance-regular graph is defined and shown to give a graph interpretation of the multivariate $P$-polynomial association schemes. Various examples are provided. Refined structures and additional constraints for multivariate $P$-polynomial association schemes and $m$-distance-regular graphs are also considered. In particular, bivariate $P$-polynomial schemes of type $(\alpha, \beta)$ are discussed, and their connection to 2-distance-regular graphs is established., Comment: 21 pages

We compute the matrix elements of $SO(3)$ in any finite-dimensional irreducible representation of $sl_3$. They are expressed in terms of a double sum of products of Krawtchouk and Racah polynomials which generalize the Griffiths-Krawtchouk polynomials. Their recurrence and difference relations are obtained as byproducts of our construction. The proof is based on the decomposition of a general three-dimensional rotation in terms of elementary planar rotations and a transition between two embeddings of $sl_2$ in $sl_3$. The former is related to monovariate Krawtchouk polynomials and the latter, to monovariate Racah polynomials. The appearance of Racah polynomials in this context is algebraically explained by showing that the two $sl_2$ Casimir elements related to the two embeddings of $sl_2$ in $sl_3$ obey the Racah algebra relations. We also show that these two elements generate the centralizer in $U(sl_3)$ of the Cartan subalgebra and its complete algebraic description is given., Comment: 20 pages. v2 updated to match the version accepted for publication

This study investigates the scaling behavior of the ground-state entanglement entropy in a model of free fermions on folded cubes. An analytical expression is derived in the large-diameter limit, revealing a strict adherence to the area law. The absence of the logarithmic enhancement expected for free fermions is explained using a decomposition of folded cubes in chains based on its Terwilliger algebra and $\mathfrak{so}(3)_{-1}$. The entanglement Hamiltonian and its relation to Heun operators are also investigated., Comment: v2: minor corrections to match the published version

The notion of multivariate $P$- and $Q$-polynomial association scheme has been introduced recently, generalizing the well-known univariate case. Numerous examples of such association schemes have already been exhibited. In particular, it has been demonstrated that the non-binary Johnson scheme is a bivariate $P$-polynomial association scheme. We show here that it is also a bivariate $Q$-polynomial association scheme for some parameters. This provides, with the $P$-polynomial structure, the bispectral property (i.e. the recurrence and difference relations) of a family of bivariate orthogonal polynomials made out of univariate Krawtchouk and dual Hahn polynomials. The algebra based on the bispectral operators is also studied together with the subconstituent algebra of this association scheme., Comment: 20 pages. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2212.10824

The computation of the entanglement entropy for inhomogeneous free fermions chains based on q-Racah polynomials is considered. The eigenvalues of the truncated correlation matrix are obtained from the diagonalization of the associated Heun operator via the algebraic Bethe ansatz. In the special case of chains based on dual q-Hahn polynomials, the eigenvectors and eigenvalues are expressed in terms of symmetric polynomials evaluated on the Bethe roots., Comment: 16 pages

We investigate multipartite information and entanglement measures in the ground state of a free-fermion model defined on a Hamming graph. Using the known diagonalization of the adjacency matrix, we solve the model and construct the ground-state correlation matrix. Moreover, we find all the eigenvalues of the chopped correlation matrix when the subsystem consists of $n$ disjoint Hamming subgraphs embedded in a larger one. These results allow us to find an exact formula for the entanglement entropy of disjoint graphs, as well as for the mutual and tripartite information. We use the exact formulas for these measures to extract their asymptotic behavior in two distinct thermodynamic limits, and find excellent match with the numerical calculations. In particular, we find that the entanglement entropy admits a logarithmic violation of the area law which decreases the amount of entanglement compared to the area law scaling., Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures, v2: minor modifications

We consider quantum state transfer on finite graphs which are attached to infinite paths. The finite graph represents an operational quantum system for performing useful quantum information tasks. In contrast, the infinite paths represent external infinite-dimensional systems which have limited (but nontrivial) interaction with the finite quantum system. We show that {\em perfect} state transfer can surprisingly still occur on the finite graph even in the presence of the infinite tails. Our techniques are based on a decoupling theorem for eventually-free Jacobi matrices, equitable partitions, and standard Lie theoretic arguments. Through these methods, we rehabilitate the notion of a dark subspace which had been so far viewed in an unflattering light., Comment: 25 pages, 7 figures

The properties of the Pastro polynomials on the real line are studied with the help of a triplet of $q$-difference operators. The $q$-difference equation and recurrence relation these polynomials obey are shown to arise as generalized eigenvalue problems involving the triplet of operators, with the Pastro polynomials as solutions. Moreover, a discrete biorthogonality relation on the real line for the Pastro polynomials is obtained and is then understood using adjoint operators. The algebra realized by the triplet of $q$-difference operators is investigated., Comment: 14 pages

This text offers a personal account of the scientific legacy of two giants of mathematical physics at the turn of the Millenium and their heritage in Canada, their land of adoption., Comment: 12 pages, Memorial plenary talk at the 34th International Colloquium on Group Theoretical Methods in Physics, Strasbourg, France, July 2022. A few minor edits in the revised version

The study of $-1$ orthogonal polynomials viewed as $q =-1$ limits of the $q$-orthogonal polynomials is pursued. This paper present the continuous polynomials part of the $-1$ analog of the $q$-Askey scheme. A compendium of the properties of all the continuous $-1$ hypergeometric polynomials and their connections is provided., Comment: 47 pages

New bispectral polynomials orthogonal on a Bannai-Ito bi-lattice (uniform quadri-lattice) are obtained from an unconventional truncation of the untruncated Bannai-Ito and complementary Bannai-Ito polynomials. A complete characterization of the resulting para-Bannai-Ito polynomials is provided, including a three term recurrence relation, a Dunkl-difference equation, an explicit expression in terms of hypergeometric series and an orthogonality relation. They are also derived as a $q\to -1$ limit of the $q$-para-Racah polynomials. A connection to the dual $-1$ Hahn polynomials is also established.

The Heun-Racah operator is diagonalized with the help of the modified algebraic Bethe ansatz. This operator is the most general bilinear expression in two generators of the Racah algebra. A presentation of this algebra is given in terms of dynamical operators, and allows the construction of Bethe vectors for the Heun-Racah operator. The associated Bethe equations are derived for both the homogeneous and inhomogeneous cases.

A finite family of $R_I$ polynomials is introduced and studied. It consists in a set of polynomials of $_{3}F_{2}$ form whose biorthogonality to an ensemble of rational functions is spelled out. These polynomials are shown to satisfy two generalized eigenvalue problems: in addition to their recurrence relation of $R_I$ type, they are also found to obey a difference equation. Underscoring this bispectrality is a triplet of operators with tridiagonal actions., Comment: 15 pages

A presentation of the centralizer of the three-fold tensor product of the spin $s$ representation of the quantum group $U_q(\mathfrak{sl}_2)$ is provided. It is expressed as a quotient of the Askey-Wilson braid algebra. This newly defined algebra combines the Askey-Wilson relations with the braid group relations, on three strands, together with a characteristic equation of degree $2s+1$ for the braid generators. Explicit bases are given for the centralizer., Comment: 23 pages, 5 figures

We introduce an inhomogeneous model of free fermions on a $(D-1)$-dimensional lattice with $D(D-1)/2$ continuous parameters that control the hopping strength between adjacent sites. We solve this model exactly, and find that the eigenfunctions are given by multidimensional generalizations of Krawtchouk polynomials. We construct a Heun operator that commutes with the chopped correlation matrix, and compute the entanglement entropy numerically for $D=2,3,4$, for a wide range of parameters. For $D=2$, we observe oscillations in the sub-leading contribution to the entanglement entropy, for which we conjecture an exact expression. For $D>2$, we find logarithmic violations of the area law for the entanglement entropy with nontrivial dependence on the parameters., Comment: 27 pages, v3: corrected sign typo in Eq. (4.2)

The occurrence of the Askey-Wilson (AW) algebra in the $SU(2)$ Chern-Simons (CS) theory and in the Reshetikhin-Turaev (RT) link invariant construction with quantum algebra $U_q(\mathfrak{su}_2)$ is explored. Tangle diagrams with three strands with some of them enclosed in a spin-$1/2$ closed loop are associated to the generators of the AW algebra. It is shown in both the CS theory and RT construction that the link invariant of these tangles obey the relations of the AW generators. It follows that the expectation values of certain Wilson loops in the CS theory satisfy relations dictated by the AW algebra and that the link invariants do not distinguish the corresponding linear combinations of links., Comment: 37 pages, 10 figures

We introduce families of rational functions that are biorthogonal with respect to the $q$-hypergeometric distribution. A triplet of $q$-difference operators $X$, $Y$, $Z$ is shown to play a role analogous to the pair of bispectral operators of orthogonal polynomials. The recurrence relation and difference equation take the form of generalized eigenvalue problems involving the three operators. The algebra generated by $X$, $Y$, $Z$ is akin to the algebras of Askey--Wilson type in the case of orthogonal polynomials. The actions of these operators in three different basis are presented. Connections with Wilson's ${}_{10}\phi_9$ biorthogonal rational functions are also discussed., Comment: 19 pages, updated version to match the one accepted for publication

The Darboux transformations of Krawtchouk polynomials are investigated and all possible exceptional Krawtchouk polynomials obtainable from a single-step Darboux transformation are considered. The properties of these exceptional Krawtchouk polynomials including the Diophantine ones and the recurrence relations are obtained., Comment: 19 pages

Time and band limiting operators are expressed as functions of the confluent Heun operator arising in the spheroidal wave equation. Explicit formulas are obtained when the bandwidth parameter is either small or large and results on the complete Fourier transform are recovered., Comment: 14 pages

Classical and quantum walks on some finite paths are introduced. It is shown that these walks have explicit solutions given in terms of exceptional Krawtchouk polynomials and their properties are explored. In particular, fractional revival is shown to take place in the corresponding quantum walks., Comment: 22 pages, 4 figures

The operator that intertwines between the $\mathbb{Z}_2$ - Dunkl operator and the derivative is shown to have a realization in terms of the oscillator operators in one dimension. This observation rests on the fact that the Dunkl intertwining operator maps the Hermite polynomials on the generalized Hermite polynomials., Comment: 10 pages. Dedicated to the memory of Ji\v{r}i Patera

The missing label for basis vectors of $SU(3)$ representations corresponding to the reduction $SU(3) \supset SO(3)$ can be provided by the eigenvalues of $SO(3)$ scalars in the enveloping algebra of $su(3)$. There are only two such independent elements of degree three and four. It is shown how the one of degree four can be diagonalized using the analytical Bethe ansatz.

We present explicit formulas for the operators providing missing labels for the tensor product of two irreducible representations of $\mathfrak{su}_3$. The result is seen as a particular representation of the diagonal centraliser of $\mathfrak{su}_3$ through a pair of tridiagonal matrices. Using these explicit formulas, we investigate the symmetry of this missing label problem and we find a symmetry group of order 144 larger than what can be expected from the natural symmetries. Several realisations of this symmetry group are given, including an interpretation as a subgroup of the Weyl group of type $E_6$, which appeared in an earlier work as the symmetry group of the diagonal centraliser. Using the combinatorics of the root system of type $E_6$, we provide a family of representations of the diagonal centraliser by infinite tridiagonal matrices, from which all the finite-dimensional representations affording the missing label can be extracted. Besides, some connections with the Hahn algebra, Heun--Hahn operators and Bethe ansatz are discussed along with some similarities with the well-known symmetries of the Clebsch--Gordan coefficients.

We construct a classical analog of the algebraic Heun operator $W$ associated to any bispectral pair of the operators $X$ and $Y$. We show that the dynamics of the classical variables $X$ or $Y$ is governed by elliptic functions if the classical $W$ is taken as the Hamiltonian. We demonstrate this general property by concrete examples of classical dynamical systems., Comment: 10 pages

It is shown how choices based on the $q$-Racah polynomials for the masses and spring constants along a chain give new systems that exactly allow dispersionless end-to-end transmission of a pulse as well as periodic splitting of the initial momentum between the first and last mass. This ``Newton's cradle'' provides a classical analog of quantum spin devices that exhibit perfect state transfer and fractional revival., Comment: 11 pages

The adjacency matrix of a symplectic dual polar graph restricted to the eigenspaces of an abelian automorphism subgroup is shown to act as the adjacency matrix of a weighted subspace lattice. The connection between the latter and $U_q(sl_2)$ is used to find the irreducible components of the standard module of the Terwilliger algebra of symplectic dual polar graphs. The multiplicities of the isomorphic submodules are given., Comment: 29 pages

Analytic mass-spring chains with dispersionless pulse transfer and fractional revival are presented. These are obtained using the properties of the para-Racah polynomials. This provides classical analogs of the quantum spin chains that realize important tasks in quantum information: perfect state transfer and entanglement generation., Comment: 14 pages, 7 figures, 9 supplementary videos

The irreducible representations of two intermediate Casimir elements associated to the recoupling of three identical irreducible representations of $U_q(\mathfrak{sl}_2)$ are considered. It is shown that these intermediate Casimirs are related by a conjugation involving braid group representations. Consequently, the entries of the braid group matrices are explicitly given in terms of the $q$-Racah polynomials which appear as $6j$-symbols in the Racah problem for $U_q(\mathfrak{sl}_2)$. Formulas for these polynomials are derived from the algebraic relations satisfied by the braid group representations., Comment: 15 pages; added references and Remark 3.1

The higher rank Racah algebra $R(n)$ introduced recently is recalled. A quotient of this algebra by central elements, which we call the special Racah algebra $sR(n)$, is then introduced. Using results from classical invariant theory, this $sR(n)$ algebra is shown to be isomorphic to the centralizer $Z_{n}(\mathfrak{sl}_2)$ of the diagonal embedding of $U(\mathfrak{sl}_2)$ in $U(\mathfrak{sl}_2)^{\otimes n}$. This leads to a first and novel presentation of the centralizer $Z_{n}(\mathfrak{sl}_2)$ in terms of generators and defining relations. An explicit formula of its Hilbert-Poincar\'e series is also obtained and studied. The extension of the results to the study of the special Askey-Wilson algebra and its higher rank generalizations is discussed.

We consider the unital associative algebra $\mathcal{A}$ with two generators $\mathcal{X}$, $\mathcal{Z}$ obeying the defining relation $[\mathcal{Z},\mathcal{X}]=\mathcal{Z}^2+\Delta$. We construct irreducible tridiagonal representations of $\mathcal{A}$. Depending on the value of the parameter $\Delta$, these representations are associated to the Jacobi matrices of the para-Krawtchouk, continuous Hahn, Hahn or Jacobi polynomials., Comment: 9 pages

Free fermions on Johnson graphs $J(n,k)$ are considered and the entanglement entropy of sets of neighborhoods is computed. For a subsystem composed of a single neighborhood, an analytical expression is provided by the decomposition in irreducible submodules of the Terwilliger algebra of $J(n,k)$ embedded in two copies of $\mathfrak{su}(2)$. For a subsytem composed of multiple neighborhoods, the construction of a block-tridiagonal operator which commutes with the entanglement Hamiltonian is presented, its usefulness in computing the entropy is stressed and the area law pre-factor is discussed., Comment: 24 pages

Eigenvalue problems on irreducible $\mathfrak{su}(2)$ modules and their adjoints are considered in the Bargmann, Barut-Girardello and finite difference models. The biorthogonality relations that arise between the corresponding generating functions of the Krawtchouk polynomials are sorted out. A link with Pad\'e approximation is made., Comment: 14 pages

Free fermions on Hamming graphs $H(d,q)$ are considered and the entanglement entropy for two types of subsystems is computed. For subsets of vertices that form Hamming subgraphs, an analytical expression is obtained. For subsets corresponding to a neighborhood, i.e. to a set of sites at a fixed distance from a reference vertex, a decomposition in irreducible submodules of the Terwilliger algebra of $H(d,q)$ also yields a closed formula for the entanglement entropy. Finally, for subsystems made out of multiple neighborhoods, it is shown how to construct a block-tridiagonal operator which commutes with the entanglement Hamiltonian. It is identified as a BC-Gaudin magnet Hamiltonian in a magnetic field and is diagonalized by the modified algebraic Bethe ansatz., Comment: 25 pages

The relation between Wilson and para-Racah polynomials and representations of the degenerate rational Sklyanin algebra is established. Second order Heun operators on quadratic grids with no diagonal terms are determined. These special or S-Heun operators lead to the rational degeneration of the Sklyanin algebra; they also entail the contiguity and structure operators of the Wilson polynomials. The finite-dimensional restriction yields a representation that acts on the para-Racah polynomials., Comment: 16 pages

A joint algebraic interpretation of the biorthogonal Askey polynomials on the unit circle and of the orthogonal Jacobi polynomials is offered. It ties their bispectral properties to an algebra called the meta-Jacobi algebra $m\mathfrak{J}$., Comment: 28 pages, 1 figure

The generic Heun operator of Lie type is identified as a certain $BC$-Gaudin magnet Hamiltonian in a magnetic field. By using the modified algebraic Bethe ansatz introduced to diagonalize such Gaudin models, we obtain the spectrum of the generic Heun operator of Lie type in terms of the Bethe roots of inhomogeneous Bethe equations. We show also that these Bethe roots are intimately associated to the roots of polynomial solutions of the differential Heun equation. We illustrate the use of this approach in two contexts: the representation theory of $O(3)$ and the computation of the entanglement entropy for free Fermions on the Krawtchouk chain.

The original Askey-Wilson algebra introduced by Zhedanov encodes the bispectrality properties of the eponym polynomials. The name 'Askey-Wilson algebra' is currently used to refer to a variety of related structures that appear in a large number of contexts. We review these versions, sort them out and establish the relations between them. We focus on two specific avatars. The first is a quotient of the original Zhedanov algebra; it is shown to be invariant under the Weyl group of type $D_4$ and to have a reflection algebra presentation. The second is a universal analogue of the first one; it is isomorphic to the Kauffman bracket skein algebra (KBSA) of the four-punctured sphere and to a subalgebra of the universal double affine Hecke algebra $(C_1^{\vee},C_1)$. This second algebra emerges from the Racah problem of $U_q(\mathfrak{sl}_2)$ and is related via an injective homomorphism to the centralizer of $U_q(\mathfrak{sl}_2)$ in its threefold tensor product. How the Artin braid group acts on the incarnations of this second avatar through conjugation by $R$-matrices (in the Racah problem) or half Dehn twists (in the diagrammatic KBSA picture) is also highlighted. Attempts at defining higher rank Askey-Wilson algebras are briefly discussed and summarized in a diagrammatic fashion., Comment: 34 pages; text updated to the published version, a few typos corrected and references updated