Angular Functions with Complex Angular Momenta

TL;DR

This paper generalizes rotation group matrix elements and Legendre functions to complex arguments and indices, facilitating the application of complex angular momenta in multi-particle physics processes.

Contribution

It introduces a broad generalization of angular functions and Legendre functions, expanding their applicability to complex angular momenta in particle physics.

Findings

Generalized functions are applicable to complex angular momenta.

New functions of the second kind are developed.

Results aid in multi-particle process analysis.

Abstract

In the study of the amplitudes for many-particle processes, and also for processes involving particles with spin, the use is made of matrix elements of the rotation group d^j_{\mu\nu}(z). In this paper the generalization of the functions d^j_{\mu\nu}(z) to arbitrary arguments and indices is studied. At the same time the functions of the second kind, analogous to Legendre functions of the second kind, are investigated. The results obtained play an important part in the introduction of complex angular momenta in many-particle processes. [Added in 2013: The generalized Legendre functions considered here may be applied as well to many other problems.]