Secondary structures and some related combinatorial objects

Abstract

The Gaussian polynomial in variable $q$ is defined as the $q$-analog of the binomial coefficient. In addition to remarkable implications of these polynomials to abstract algebra, matrix theory and quantum computing, there is also a combinatorial interpretation through weighted lattice paths. This interpretation is equivalent to weighted board tilings, which can be used to establish Gaussian polynomial identities. In particular, we prove duals of such identities and evaluate related sums.