Questions tagged [lie-algebras]
Lie algebras are algebraic structures which were introduced to study the concept of infinitesimal transformations. The term "Lie algebra" (after Sophus Lie) was introduced by Hermann Weyl in the 1930s. In older texts, the name "infinitesimal group" is used. Related mathematical concepts include Lie groups and differentiable manifolds.
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Multiplication factors in folding root systems and Lie algebras by automorphisms
When Stembridge, in the paper Folding by automorphisms, considers folding by automorphism $\sigma$ he considers the root system generated by for each orbit $J$.
$$\sum_{i \in J} \alpha_i .$$
Whereas ...
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Extension of a type A Springer fibre
Given a decomposition $p=(p_1,\dots,p_n)$ of $n$, one can associate its corresponding
partial flag variety $$\mathcal{B}_p=\{F=(0=F_0\subset F_1\subset \dots \subset F_n=\mathbb{C}^n) \mid \dim F_i/F_{...
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Does the first fundamental representation of $\frak{sp}_n$ generates all the other fundamental representations
Let $\mathfrak{sp_n}$ be the symplectic Lie algebra, that is, the $C_n$ complex simple Lie algebra. Is it true that the first fundamental, which is to say the vector space, representation $V_1$ of $\...
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Trivial representation of a maximal torus
Let G be a connected compact Lie group and $T\subset G$ a maximal torus. For an irreducible representation $V_\lambda$ of $G$, the multiplicity of the trivial representation of $T$ in $V_\lambda$ is ...
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In how many ways does a Lie algebra decompose as an orthogonal direct sum of Cartans?
For a prime $p$, the Lie algebra $\mathfrak{su}(p)$ can be decomposed into an orthogonal direct sum of $p+1$ Cartan subalgebras as follows. Consider the clock and shift matrices — these are a pair of ...
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An infinitely generated Lie algebra, its finitely generated envelope
If a Lie algebra $\mathfrak g$ is finitely generated, its enveloing algebra $U\mathfrak g$ is finitely generated as an associative algebra. In fact, taking the enveloping algebra of the surjection $\...
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Chevalley-Solomon formula and Weyl character formula
Let $\Phi\subset V$ be a root system of rank $r$ with Weyl group $W$, a choice of positive roots $\Phi_+$ and exponents $d_1, \ldots, d_r$ (i.e. the invariant algebra $(\operatorname{Sym}^\bullet V)^W$...
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Does every Lie algebra appear as centralizer of an element in a semisimple Lie algebra?
Given a finite dimensional, complex, semisimple (fcss) Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}$ and an element $x\in\mathfrak{g}$, denote by $\mathfrak{g}^x$ the centralizer of $x$ in $\mathfrak{g}$ i.e. the set $\{...
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Which Lie groups admit finite generation by a set of Lie algebra elements? And what are some known choices of generators which realize this?
Consider a (finite-dimensional) real connected Lie group $G$ with Lie algebra $\frak{g}$. Take a generating set $\mathcal{G} = \{ X_1, \cdots X_n \} $ of $\frak{g}$, i.e. such that any element of $\...
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Relations in a certain Lie algebra
Let ${\mathfrak g}$ be the (real) Lie algebra generated by infinitely many generators $D_i, E_i$ with $i=1,2,3,\dots$ subject to the following relations for any natural numbers $i,j$:
\begin{gather*}
[...
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Is the adjoint action of $\mathrm{SU}(2)$ on the Schwartz space proper and free?
$\DeclareMathOperator\SU{SU}$Let $t_1, t_2, t_3$ be generators of the Lie algebra $\mathfrak{su}(2)$.
Let us consider a Schwartz space $\mathcal{S}$ defined as
\begin{equation}
\mathcal{S}:= \Bigl\{ \...
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Lie algebra cohomology of formal non-commutative vector fields
Let $k$ be a field of characteristic $0$ and $A=k\langle\langle x_1,\dotsc,x_n\rangle\rangle$ be a free completed associative algebra. The space of continuous derivations $\mathrm{Der}(A)$ is ...
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Nilpotent orbits in characteristic $0$ vs. positive characteristics
Let $G_\mathbb{C}$ be a connected reductive group over $\mathbb{C}$ with Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}_{\mathbb{C}}$. For any algebraically closed field $k$, let $G_k$ denote the connected reductive group ...
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Techniques for computing integrals on $G/K$
Edit: I originally tried writing a simpler question, but to make more clear what I want I wrote the general question below
Let $G$ be a compact group with compact subgroup $K\subseteq G$ (everything ...
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Any "inherent" definition of $\mathrm{SU}(2)$ independent of any matrix representation?
$\DeclareMathOperator\SU{SU}\SU(2)$ is explained in detail here.
However, if I know right, this definition itself is known the "fundamental representation".
I wonder if there is any "...
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Representation theory of reductive lie algebras
I have studied Lie algebras at the level of Humphrey's Introduction to Lie Algebras and Representation Theory. This only really includes representation theory of semisimple lie algebras. In the ...
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Nonlinear Poisson brackets associated with nilpotent (matrix) Lie algebras?
With every finite-dimensional Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}$ one can associate a linear Poisson bracket on $\mathfrak{g}^\ast$. With some more restrictions on $\mathfrak{g}$ and some extra ingredients, ...
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Quantum Schubert cell algebra and quantum odd-dimensional euclidean space
De Concini, Kac, Procesi introduced quantum Schubert cell algebra associated to a complex Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}$ which is denoted by $\mathcal{U}^{w}_{\epsilon}$ where $w$ is an element of Weyl ...
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Chevalley restriction theorem
$\DeclareMathOperator\Tr{Tr}\DeclareMathOperator\Sym{Sym}$I'm having a hard time understanding the proof of Chevalley's restriction theorem given by Humphreys in "Introduction to Lie Algebras and ...
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Enveloping algebra of affine Lie algebra is (not) noetherian
I work over an algebraically closed field of characteristic $0$. Let $\mathfrak{g}$ be a semisimple Lie algebra, $\hat{\mathfrak{g}}=\mathfrak{g}[t,t^{-1}]\oplus\mathbb{C}K\oplus\mathbb{C}D$ the ...
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Do you know a survey of modular Lie algebras and its representations?
When I was an university student, I liked reading some books about the representation theory of finite groups or Lie algebras and I was interested in explicit constructions of irreducible ...
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How large must the characteristic of $k$ be, for the cohomology of the Lie algebra $\mathfrak{sl}_n(k)$ to be exterior as in characteristic zero?
$\DeclareMathOperator\SU{SU}$In this question, all Lie algebra cohomology is of the form $H^*(\mathfrak{g}; k)$, with $k$ the trivial one-dimensional representation of $\mathfrak{g}$. All Lie algebra ...
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Have you seen this Lie algebra?
Computing something I have come across a Lie algebra $\def\L{\mathfrak L}\def\CC{\mathbb C}\L_N$ that I would like to identify.
Fix an integer $N$ such that $N\geq2$, let $\L_N$ be the free complex ...
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Representation theory for symmetries of probability distribution functions
I would like to parameterize all the possible modifications to a probability density function. Is there a representation theory for this? Something along the lines of, these are all the operators $L$ ...
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Are there known minimal models for the cohomology of semisimple Lie algebras?
My student and I recently found a cute construction of a minimal model for the cohomology of a Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}$. This is a "minimal model" in the sense that it is a minimal chain-...
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Symmetric tensor of highest weight modules for $\mathrm{SU}(2)$
Let $V_i$ be the $(i+1)$-dimensional representation of the special unitary group $\mathrm{SU}(2)$ with the highest weight $i$. Is there any uniform way to compute the irreducible decomposition for the ...
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Is the span of all nilpotent ideals also a nilpotent ideal?
Given a non-zero Lie algebra $\mathcal{L}$ over $\mathbb{C}$, we define $\mathcal{L}^2 = \big[\mathcal{L}, \mathcal{L} \big] = \big\{ [x, y]: x, y\in \mathcal{L} \big\}$, and for any $k\in\mathbb{N}$ ...
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On Soergel's results concerning projectives modules in category $\mathcal{O}$
I am looking for a translated proof of two results of Soergel usually referred to as endomorphismensatz and struktursatz.
Both of those results were shown in the paper
Soergel, W. (1990). Kategorie 𝒪...
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If two Lie algebras are isomorphic, under which conditions will their Lie groups also be isomorphic?
Let $G$ and $G'$ be compact connected Lie groups (which are not necessarily simply connected) with Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}$ and $\mathfrak{h}$. Suppose that the two Lie algebras are isomorphic, ...
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Conjugacy of Cartan subgroups in $\mathrm{GL}(n)$
$\DeclareMathOperator\SL{SL}$I have probably a very basic question on the structure of semisimple Lie groups. Sorry if it is too elementary.
Let either $G=\SL(n,\mathbb{R})$ or $G=\SL(n,\mathbb{C})$. ...
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Reasons about the difference between twisted affine algebras of $A_{2l}$ and other types
I am reading about Kac–Moody algebras. I have a question about the construction of twisted affine algebras.
Let $\sigma$ be a graph automorphism of the simple Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}$.
When $\...
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Non-example to PBW theorem
I am interested in a (simple) example of an associative algebra $A$ with 1 generated by $x_1, \ldots, x_n$ which is quadratic (i.e. all relations between $x_1, \ldots, x_n$ have degree $\leqslant 2$) ...
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Hilbert representation with compactness and *-property
Given a continuous representation $\pi$ of a Lie group $G$ on a Hilbert space $H$, not unitary.
Suppose that
it is a $\star$-representation for the Lie algebra, i.e., $\pi(X)^\star=\pi(-X)$ on the ...
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Solvability of derivation Lie algebras of local finite-dimensional commutative algebras
Let $A$ be a finite-dimensional local commutative algebra (with one) over a characteristic zero field $k$. Is it true that the Lie algebra $\operatorname{Der}_k(A)$ of $k$-derivations of $A$ is ...
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Relation between two Harish-Chandra homomorphisms
Let $\mathfrak{g}$ be a Lie algebra admitting a triangular decomposition $\frak g = N^-\oplus h\oplus N^+$ and $\gamma$ the classic Harish-Chandra isomorphism defined on the center $\frak Z$ of the ...
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Explicit central elements of $\mathcal{U}(\mathfrak{so}(4,1))$
I am interested in finding the central elements of the universal enveloping algebra of the Lie algebra $\mathfrak{so}(4,1)$.
Notation: the 10 generators are $D, J_i, P_i, K_i$ ($i=1,2,3$), satisfying ...
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What is a Gelfand-Tsetlin subalgebra?
For context on general Gelfand-Tsetlin theory, see for instance this MO post.
Let's work over $\mathbb{C}$. Fix $n>0$. There is a natural chain of embeddings of the general linear Lie algebras $\...
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What's an example of an $n$-step nilpotent Lie algebra whose centre is not $g^{(n)}$?
Let $\mathfrak g$ be a Lie algebra. $\mathfrak g^{(1)}=\mathfrak g$ and $\mathfrak g^{(n+1)}=[\mathfrak g,\mathfrak g^{(n)}]=\mathbb R$-span$\{[X,Y]:X\in\mathfrak g,Y\in\mathfrak g^{(n)}\}$. The ...
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Classification of restricted Lie algebras of reductive groups
$\DeclareMathOperator\Lie{Lie}$Let $G/K$ be a reductive group over a field $K$. In characteristic $0$ the Lie algebra is invariant under base change of fields, so to understand $\Lie(G)$ it is enough ...
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Are there natural isomorphisms $S^{(2,1)}(k^{m+1})\cong k^2\otimes W$?
In this popular 2019 MO question, user მამუკა ჯიბლაძე asked:
The spaces $\operatorname{S}^2(k^n)$ and $\Lambda^2(k^{n+1})$ from the title have equal dimensions. Is there a natural isomorphism between ...
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Basis of Lambda algebra for a programmer
First of all, I'm not a specialist in alg. top., but I try to apply computational math to it, so if I'm wrong in something you'd be doing a better thing explaining it to me instead of blaming me :) ...
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What's the point of geometric representation theory?
Please forgive the provocative title, what I mean is the following:
One can find representations of Lie algebras in geometric settings, the most famous being the Bott–Borel–Weil theory. However, ...
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Relation between enveloping algebras and algebras of differential operators
I asked this question on math stack exchange about 3 years ago, but received no answer.
Our base field $\mathsf{k}$ will be algebraically closed of zero characteristic. Let $X$ be an smooth affine ...
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Wedderburn–Artin like theorem for infinite dimensional Lie algebras?
The Wedderburn–Artin Theorem is one of the cornerstones of the structure theory of (associative) rings.
Wedderburn–Artin Theorem : Let $R$ be a left Artinian ring with zero Jacobson radical. Then $R$ ...
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Finite dimensional irreducible representations of $\frak{sl}_m$ with non-trivial zero weight spaces
For the special linear algebra $\frak{sl}_{m}$ which finite dimensional irreducible representations $V_{\mu}$ have non-trivial zero weight spaces?
For $\frak{sl}_2$ this is clear: $V_{2k\pi}$ for $\pi$...
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Generators of simple Lie groups and finite word length
Let $G$ be a connected simple Lie group with finite center. Let $a=\mathrm{exp}(X)$ be a semisimple element. Then we can decompose the lie algebra of $G$ into the direct sum of the eigenspaces of $\...
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Why do most eigenspaces of a Lie algebra automorphism have finitely many orbits?
I'm interested in understanding the following lemma, which Vogan states (Lemma 4.8) in his paper on the Local Langlands Conjectures (omitting the "well-known" proof).
Suppose $G$ is a ...
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Relation between real forms of Lie algebras and root systems on pseudoeuclidean vector spaces
This might be trivial but I cannot see it clearly.
Simple complex Lie algebras are fully classified by the root systems arising from the Cartan subalgebra for which the Euclidean norm is the Cartan-...
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graded reps of Lie algebras literature
I am currently studying 'advanced' representation theory from a physicist's perspective, including topics like super-Lie algebras. I've come across various gradings (excluding the ℤ2
grading), such as ...
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What does the set of all fundamental coweights look like?
Let $\Phi$ be an irreducible root system in a Euclidean vector space $V$. Let $W$ denote its Weyl group. Choose a base $\Delta=\{\alpha_1,...,\alpha_r\}$ for $\Phi$. Then $\Delta$ is a basis for $V$. ...