A path model for Whittaker vectors

Abstract

In this paper we construct weighted path models to compute Whittaker vectors in the completion of Verma modules, as well as Whittaker functions of fundamental type, for all finite-dimensional simple Lie algebras, affine Lie algebras, and the quantum algebra $U_q(\mathfrak{sl}_{r+1})$. This leads to series expressions for the Whittaker functions. We show how this construction leads directly to the quantum Toda equations satisfied by these functions, and to the $q$-difference equations in the quantum case. We investigate the critical limit of affine Whittaker functions computed in this way.