Global Asymptotics of Stieltjes-Wigert Polynomials

Abstract

Asymptotic formulas are derived for the Stieltjes-Wigert polynomials $S_n(z;q)$ in the complex plane as the degree $n$ grows to infinity. One formula holds in any disc centered at the origin, and the other holds outside any smaller disc centered at the origin; the two regions together cover the whole plane. In each region, the $q$-Airy function $A_q(z)$ is used as the approximant. For real $x> 1/4$, a limiting relation is also established between the $q$-Airy function $A_q(x)$ and the ordinary Airy function $\mathrm{Ai}(x)$ as $q \to 1$.