Positive definite functions play a central role in several areas of mathematical research. Among others, they appear as characteristic functions of probability distributions, as correlation functions, within the context of spectral theory and convolution algebras, or in connection with representation of groups, semigroups and hypergroups. Further on, a large variety of mathematical applications have been developed making use of positive definite functions and their properties.

The study of positive definite functions and their associated reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces lead to a better understanding of the relations between the theory of Hilbert spaces, representation theory, harmonic analysis, and special functions. On top of that, methods based on positive definite functions in applications rely on a better understanding of fundamental properties of these relations.

The aim of the symposium is to bring together scientists from different mathematical areas working on or using positive definite functions. Next to six survey lectures on central topics there will be research presentations from both, the theoretical perspective as well as the point of view of applications.

Auszug zu diesem Minisymposium aus dem Programmheft (Stand: 15. Juli 2006). Weitere nützliche Informationen rund um die Tagung können der verkürzten Ausgabe des Programmheftes entnommen werden.

Programm (Stand: 07.09.2006):