On the tau function of the hypergeometric equation

The monodromy map for a rank-two system of differential equations with three Fuchsian singularities is classically solved by the Kummer formulæ for Gauss’ hypergeometric functions. We define the tau-function of such a system as the generating function of the extended monodromy symplectomorphism, using an idea recently developed. This formulation allows us to determine the dependence of the tau-function on the monodromy data. Using the explicit solution of the monodromy problem, the tau-function is then explicitly written in terms of Barnes G-function. In particular, if the Fuchsian singularities are placed to 0, 1 and ∞, this gives the structure constants of the asymptotical formula of Iorgov–Gamayun–Lisovyy for solutions of Painlevé VI equation. •Monodromy dependence of tau function is computed for the hypergeometric equation.•Explicit expression for the connection matrices as well as monodromy matrices.•Malgrange locus in correspondence of the zero locus of the tau function.•Connections with Kyiv formula.