A new approach to analysis of 2D higher order quantum superintegrable systems

Abstract: We revise a method by Kalnins, Kress and Miller (2010) for constructing a canonical form for symmetry operators of arbitrary order for the Schr\"odinger eigenvalue equation $H\Psi \equiv (\Delta_2 +V)\Psi=E\Psi$ on any 2D Riemannian manifold, real or complex, that admits a separation of variables in some orthogonal coordinate system. Most of this paper is devoted to describing the method. Details will be provided elsewhere. As examples we revisit the Tremblay and Winternitz derivation of the Painlev\'e VI potential for a 3rd order superintegrable flat space system that separates in polar coordinates and we show that the Painlev\'e VI potential also appears for a 3rd order superintegrable system on the 2-sphere that separates in spherical coordinates, as well as a 3rd order superintegrable system on the 2-hyperboloid that separates in spherical coordinates and one that separates in horocyclic coordinates. The purpose of this project is to develop tools for analysis and classification of higher order superintegrable systems on any 2D Riemannian space, not just Euclidean space.