3
$\begingroup$

Let $\mathfrak{g}$ be a simple (complex) Lie algebra. Given an invariant bilinear form $\kappa : \mathfrak{g} \otimes \mathfrak{g} \to \mathbb{C}$, we can form the central extension $\hat{\mathfrak{g}}_{\kappa}$ of the loop algebra $\mathfrak{g}((z))= \mathfrak{g} \otimes \mathbb{C}((z))$. At least when $\kappa$ is an integral multiple of the basic form, this Lie algebra should integrate to a central extension $\hat{G}_{\kappa}$ of the loop group $G((z))$, where $G$ is the simply connected semisimple group with Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}$.

Now suppose we have a smooth representation $V$ of $\hat{\mathfrak{g}}_{\kappa}$, where the generator of the central $\mathbb{C}$ acts by $1$. Now some people say that $V$ is integrable if there exists a representation $V'$ of $\hat{G}_{\kappa}$ such that $V$ is the differential of $V'$. Others say that $V$ is integrable if for every positive root $\alpha$ of $\mathfrak{g}$ and integer $n$, the elements $e_{\alpha} \otimes z^n$ act locally nilpotently (here $e_{\alpha}$ is the generator of the corresponding root space).

Do these two notions of integrability coincide?

We can add a further constraint into the picture. The multiplicative group $\mathbb{C}^{\times}$ acts on $\hat{G}_{\kappa}$ by loop rotation, so we can form the semidirect product $\hat{G}^{aff}_{\kappa}$ and consider positive energy representations of this group (i.e. representations such that the loop rotation $\mathbb{C}^{\times}$ has only nonnegative nonzero weight spaces). Is there any connection between these representations and the integrable representations of $\hat{\mathfrak{g}}_{\kappa}$? Looking through the literature it seems that integrable representations of $\hat{\mathfrak{g}}_{\kappa}$ and positive energy representations of $\hat{G}^{aff}_{\kappa}$ behave similarly, although I haven't been able to find a precise statement relating all these things.

Assuming the two notions of integrability coincide, can we always lift an integrable representation of $\hat{\mathfrak{g}}_{\kappa}$ to a positive energy representation of $\hat{G}^{aff}_{\kappa}$?

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

1
$\begingroup$

Adjoint representation gives an example of integrable representation which is not positive energy.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.