Polynomials and algebraic curves related to certain binary and $b$-ary overpartitions

Abstract

We begin by considering a sequence of polynomials in three variables whose coefficients count restricted binary overpartitions with certain properties. We then concentrate on two specific subsequences that are closely related to the Chebyshev polynomials of both kinds, deriving combinatorial and algebraic properties of some special cases. We show that the zeros of these polynomial sequences lie on certain algebraic curves, some of which we study in greater detail. Finally, we extend part of this work to restricted $b$-ary overpartitions for arbitrary integers $b\geq 2$.