On rational functions orthogonal to all powers of a given rational function on a curve

In this paper we study the generating function f(t) for the sequence of the moments \int_{\gamma}P^i(z)q(z)d z, i\geq 0, where P(z),q(z) are rational functions of one complex variable and \gamma is a curve in C. We calculate an analytical expression for f(t) and provide conditions implying the rationality and the vanishing of f(t). In particular, for P(z) in generic position we give an explicit criterion for a function q(z) to be orthogonal to all powers of P(z). Besides, we prove a stronger form of the Wermer theorem, describing analytic functions satisfying \int_{S^1}h^i(z)g^j(z)g'(z)d z=0, i\geq 0, j\geq 0, in the case where the functions h(z),g(z) are rational. We also generalize the theorem of Duistermaat and van der Kallen about Laurent polynomials L(z) whose integral positive powers have no constant term, and prove other results about Laurent polynomials L(z),m(z) satisfying \int_{S^1}L^i(z)m(z)d z=0, i\geq i_0.