Fourier and Gegenbauer Expansions for a Fundamental Solution of Laplace's Equation in Hyperspherical Geometry

Abstract

For a fundamental solution of Laplace's equation on the R-radius d-dimensional hypersphere, we compute the azimuthal Fourier coefficients in closed form in two and three dimensions. We also compute the Gegenbauer polynomial expansion for a fundamental solution of Laplace's equation in hyperspherical geometry in geodesic polar coordinates. From this expansion in three-dimensions, we derive an addition theorem for the azimuthal Fourier coefficients of a fundamental solution of Laplace's equation on the 3-sphere. Applications of our expansions are given, namely closed-form solutions to Poisson's equation with uniform density source distributions. The Newtonian potential is obtained for the 2-disc on the 2-sphere and 3-ball and circular curve segment on the 3-sphere. Applications are also given to the superintegrable Kepler-Coulomb and isotropic oscillator potentials.