Paley-Wiener theorems for the Dunkl transform

We conjecture a geometrical form of the Paley-Wiener theorem for the Dunkl transform and prove three instances thereof, one of which involves a limit transition from Opdam's results for the graded Hecke algebra. Furthermore, the connection between Dunkl operators and the Cartan motion group is established. It is shown how the algebra of radial parts of invariant differential operators can be described explicitly in terms of Dunkl operators, which implies that the generalized Bessel functions coincide with the spherical functions. In this context, the restriction of Dunkl's intertwining operator to the invariants can be interpreted in terms of the Abel transform. Using shift operators we also show that, for certain values of the multiplicities of the restricted roots, the Abel transform is essentially inverted by a differential operator.