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Let $\lambda_0,\lambda_1,\lambda_2,\lambda_3,\ldots$ be a sequence of Young diagrams, such that each successive diagram is obtained from the prior by the addition of one box (don't forget that the row lengths must always be weakly decreasing). For example such a sequence could arise from a Plancherel growth process.

Denote by $f_\lambda$ the number of standard Young tableau of shape $\lambda$. I'm wondering if there's a representation-theoretic interpretation of the sum:

$$f(x)=\sum_{k\geq 0}f_{\lambda_{k}}x^k.$$

Motivation: I'm encountering a sum of determinants which seems to have the above structure and I'm wondering if there's a general method or theory behind the evaluation of above functions $f(x)$. I've never seen such a sum before where the "dimensions of each representation" are increasing.

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  • $\begingroup$ If I understand right, for every infinite sequence $\lambda$, you have an associated $f$? Anyway all that occurs to me is the hooklength formula, which says that $f_{\lambda_i}/f_{\lambda_{i-1}}$ is a reasonably simple fraction. $\endgroup$
    – Allen Knutson
    Commented Jul 15, 2014 at 21:09
  • $\begingroup$ @Allen Knutson: yep each $f$ has it's own sequence. You're right, the ratios are (mostly) nice: you typically end up with a hypergeometric sum. I'm mainly curious if there's a representation theoretic motivation behind such a sum. To push this in a particular direction: is it possible to write $f$ as the determinant of some (infinite dimensional) operator? $\endgroup$
    – Alex R.
    Commented Jul 15, 2014 at 21:30

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