Charlier polynomials

In mathematics, Charlier polynomials (also called Poisson–Charlier polynomials) are a family of orthogonal polynomials introduced by Carl Charlier. They are given in terms of the generalized hypergeometric function by

$C_n(x; \mu)= {}_2F_0(-n,-x,-1/\mu)=(-1)^n n! L_n^{(-1-x)}\left(-\frac 1 \mu \right),\,$

where $L$ are Laguerre polynomials. They satisfy the orthogonality relation

$\sum_{x=0}^\infty \frac{\mu^x}{x!} C_n(x; \mu)C_m(x; \mu)=\mu^{-n} e^\mu n! \delta_{nm}, \quad \mu>0.$

See also

• Wilson polynomials, a generalization of Charlier polynomials.

References

• C. V. L. Charlier (1905–1906) Über die Darstellung willkürlicher Funktionen, Ark. Mat. Astr. och Fysic 2, 20.