7
$\begingroup$

A positive definite function $\varphi: G \rightarrow \mathbb{C}$ on a group $G$ is a function that arises as a coefficient of a unitary representation of $G$.

For a definition and discussion of positive definite function see here.

I've often wished I had a collection of diverse examples of positive definite functions on groups, for the purpose of testing various conjectures. I hope the diverse experience of the participants of this forum can help me collect a list of such examples.

To clarify what I'd like to see:

What is an example of a positive definite function on a group $G$ that is not easily seen to be a coefficient of a unitary representation of $G$? What are some positive definite functions that arise in contexts sufficiently removed from studying the coefficients of unitary representations?

Also, the weirder the group $G$ the better.

Edit: There is now a version of this question on MO.

  • 0
    Not at all t.b. Thanks for doing this!2011-09-26

0 Answers 0