Isotropic N-point basis functions and their properties

Isotropic functions of positions r(1), r(2),..., r(N), i.e. functions invariant under simultaneous rotations of all the coordinates, are conveniently formed using spherical harmonics and Clebsch-Gordan coefficients. An orthonormal basis of such functions provides a formalism suitable for analyzing isotropic distributions such as those that arise in cosmology, for instance in the clustering of galaxies as revealed by large-scale structure surveys. The algebraic properties of the basis functions are conveniently expressed in terms of 6-j and 9-j symbols. The calculation of relations among the basis functions is facilitated by 'Yutsis' diagrams for the addition and recoupling of angular momenta.