[76.1.1.2] The general -function is defined as the inverse Mellin transform [32]
(A.1) |
where the contour runs from to separating the poles of from those of . [76.1.1.3] Empty products are interpreted as unity. [76.1.1.4] The integers satisfy and . [76.1.1.5] The coefficients and are positive real numbers and the complex parameters are such that no poles in the integrand coincide. [76.1.1.6] If
(A.2) |
then the integral converges absolutely and defines the -function in the sector . [76.2.0.1] The -function is also well defined when either
(A.3) |
or
(A.4) |
[76.3.0.1] The -function is a generalization of Meijers -function and many of the known special functions are special cases of it.