Special functions, black holes and quantum mechanics
by
Ernie Kalnins
University of Waikato

Special functions have their origins in the method of separation of variables as applied to the classical partial differential equations of mathematical physics. In more recent times it has become clear that many properties of special functions are related to the notion of symmetry. In this talk we discuss two interesting examples where these ideas come into play:

(a) The theory of perturbations of black holes, confluent Heun functions and Killing-Yano tensors.

(b) Superintegrability, dynamical symmetry and the generation of bound state energy spectra.

Given time, some of the remaining problems in the classical theory of separation of variables will be discussed.

Date received: October 3, 2000

Copyright © 2000 by the author(s). The author(s) of this document and the organizers of the conference have granted their consent to include this abstract in Atlas Conferences Inc. Document # caek-49.