Linearization and connection coefficients of polynomial sequences: A matrix approach

Abstract: For a sequence of polynomials ${p_k(t)}$ in one real or complex variable, where $p_k$ has degree $k$, for $k\ge 0$, we find explicit expressions and recurrence relations for infinite matrices whose entries are the coefficients $d(n,m,k)$, called linearization coefficients, that satisfy $$ p_n(t) p_m(t)=\sum_{k=0}^{n+m} d(n,m,k) p_k(t).$$ For any pair of polynomial sequences ${u_k(t)}$ and ${p_k(t)}$ we find infinite matrices whose entries are the coefficients $e(n,m,k)$ that satisfy $$p_n(t) p_m(t)=\sum_{k=0}^{n+m} e(n,m,k) u_k(t).$$ Such results are obtained using a matrix approach. We also obtain recurrence relations for the linearization coefficients, apply the general results to general orthogonal polynomial sequences and to particular families of orthogonal polynomials such as the Chebyshev, Hermite, and Charlier families.