DIFFUSION ON BRAIDED SPACES

The notion of q-Brownian motion introduced by Majid is extended to bra ided spaces corresponding to a generic R-matrix, and combined with the theory of quantum probability. This leads to a definition of diffusio ns on these spaces, The corresponding heat equations (difference-diffe rential equations) are solved in terms of Appell polynomials (i.e., sh ifted moment systems). Some examples of interest for applications are given. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics.