Markov Chains Generated by Convolutions of Orthogonality Measures

Abstract

About two dozens of exactly solvable Markov chains on one-dimensional finite and semi-infinite integer lattices are constructed in terms of convolutions of orthogonality measures of the Krawtchouk, Hahn, Meixner, Charlier, $q$-Hahn, $q$-Meixner and little $q$-Jacobi polynomials. By construction, the stationary probability distributions, the complete sets of eigenvalues and eigenvectors are provided by the polynomials and the orthogonality measures. An interesting property possessed by these stationary probability distributions, called `convolutional self-similarity,' is demonstrated.