All Questions
2,633 questions
4
votes
1
answer
241
views
Structure of projective indecomposable modules for $\mathfrak{sl}_2$
I'm reading "BGG category $\mathcal{O}$" by Humphreys.
In section 3.12 we look into the projective modules over $\mathfrak{sl}(2,\mathbb{C})$. If $\lambda\in\mathbb{Z}$ is a weight and $\mu=-...
- 61
1
vote
0
answers
165
views
Rotation number for homeomorphisms of a Lie group other than $S^1$
Let $G$ be a Lie group whose Lie algebra is $\mathfrak{g}$ with exponential map $\exp:\mathfrak{g}\to G$.
For what kind of Lie group $G$ the standard process of definition of rotation number ...
- 366
7
votes
1
answer
264
views
Non(skew)commutative Lie algebras?
The Lie operad $\text{Lie}$ is generated by a binary operator $[\ ,\ ]$, modulo a degree two relation (skew commutativity $[x,y]=-[y,x]$) and a degree three relation (Jacobi $[x,[y,z]]+[y,[z,x]]+[z,[x,...
- 5,711
79
votes
12
answers
13k
views
Is there a high-concept explanation for why characteristic 2 is special?
The structure of the multiplicative groups of $\mathbb{Z}/p\mathbb{Z}$ or of $\mathbb{Z}_p$ is the same for odd primes, but not for $2.$ Quadratic reciprocity has a uniform statement for odd primes, ...
- 118k
2
votes
1
answer
170
views
Automorphism of positive characteristic field
Suppose $K$ is a field with $\text{char}(K) \geq 0$. Let $L$ be a cyclic extension of $K$ with degree $2n$. We consider the generator $\sigma$ of the Galois group $\text{Gal}(L/K)$.
I am interested in ...
- 923
2
votes
0
answers
102
views
Category O for (Yangian) toroidal Lie algebras?
Suppose throughout that $g$ is a finite-dimensional simple Lie algebra over $\mathbb{C}$ and let us denote:
$$g_{[2]} := g \otimes_{\mathbb{C}} \mathbb{C}[v^{\pm 1}, t^{\pm 1}]$$
$$g_{[2]}^+ := g \...
- 1,516
73
votes
6
answers
7k
views
Surprisingly short or elegant proofs using Lie theory
Today, I was listening to someone give an exhausting proof of the fundamental theorem of algebra when I recalled that there was a short proof using Lie theory:
A finite extension $K$ of $\mathbb{C}$...
2
votes
0
answers
59
views
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 ...
- 21
4
votes
1
answer
175
views
Drinfeld-Jimbo quantum groups for $q=0$
In the Wikipedia page of Drinfeld--Jimbo quantum groups the values of $q=0,1$ are excluded so as to avoid dividing by zero. The $q=1$ case is discussed in this old question. What about the $q=0$ case? ...
- 1,144
2
votes
1
answer
160
views
Finding the mistake in an argument concerning $F$-finite $F$-split local Cohen--Macaulay ring of dimension $1$
Let $R$ be a commutative Noetherian ring, and $\phi: R \to R$ be a ring homomorphism. For an $R$-module $M$, let $^{\phi}M$ be the $R$-module defined via restriction of scalars via $\phi$, i.e., as ...
- 412
7
votes
1
answer
742
views
Infinite dimensional representations of $\frak{sl}_2$
The finite-dimensional representations of a complex semisimple Lie algebra $\frak{g}$ are well known to be classifiable by their highest weight vectors, giving a convenient countable indexing set. I ...
- 257
7
votes
0
answers
697
views
Is this construction related to the geometric Langlands program perhaps?
Given a complex Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}$, a choice of Cartan subalgebra $\mathfrak{h}$ of $\mathfrak{g}$ and a dominant integral weight $\lambda$ of $\mathfrak{g}$, there is a natural construction ...
- 5,215
6
votes
1
answer
771
views
A regular, geometrically reduced but non-smooth curve
Can anyone give an example of a projective, regular, geometrically reduced but non-smooth curve ?
Of course, the base field should be imperfect.
In Exercise 4.3.22 of Qing Liu's book Algebraic ...
- 620
4
votes
0
answers
277
views
Representations of $\mathrm{sl}(3,\mathbb{C})$ and Catalan-like paths
Background on representations of $\mathrm{sl}(3,\mathbb{C})$
In Chapter 6 of Brian C. Hall's book "Lie Groups, Lie Algebras, and Representations", he constructs the irreducible ...
- 484
1
vote
0
answers
59
views
A certain subalgebra of $\mathfrak{e}_8$ over a p-adic field
Can $\mathfrak{e}_8(\mathrm{k})$ have a maximal subalgebra isomorphic to $\mathfrak{sl}_1(\mathrm{D})\oplus\mathfrak{g}_2(\mathrm{K})$, where $\mathrm{k}$ is a finite extension of some $\mathbb{Q}_p$, ...
- 2,773
2
votes
0
answers
145
views
The "big bracket" in Lie bialgebras
I am looking for a well-written document such as a survey article or textbook that explores the subject of the "big bracket". This concept is briefly introduced in the appendix of Yvette ...
- 442
5
votes
1
answer
229
views
Step in the Bruhat decomposition for reductive Lie groups
Err, not research but if anyone has read this part of Knapp's book recently, I'd be obliged if they could help me out. Also posted on MSE.
I'm stuck on a line in the proof of Theorem 7.40 in Knapp's '...
- 675
1
vote
0
answers
82
views
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 $\...
- 31
15
votes
1
answer
911
views
A possible gap in Faltings note to prove the Tate conjecture for finitely generated field over $\mathbb{Q}$
Qeustion:
Given a Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}$ over $\mathbb{Q}_\ell$ with an ideal $\mathfrak{g}^O$ and a subalgebra $\mathfrak{h}$,
such that $\mathfrak{g}=\mathfrak{g}^O+\mathfrak{h}$.
Now given a ...
- 178
54
votes
9
answers
9k
views
Nice proofs of the Poincaré–Birkhoff–Witt theorem
Let $\mathfrak{g}$ be a finite-dimensional Lie algebra over a field $k$, with an ordered basis $x_1 < x_2 < ... < x_n$.
We define the universal enveloping algebra $U(\mathfrak{g})$ of $\...
- 3,918
0
votes
1
answer
210
views
A question regarding Hermite polynomials and exponential operators $\exp[e^{x^2/2}p(\frac{d}{dx})e^{-x^2/2}]f(x)$
Is it possible to express $$\exp\left[\mathrm{e}^{x^2/2}p\left(\frac{d}{dx}\right)\mathrm{e}^{-x^2/2}\right] f(x)$$ as an integral transform or something similar? $p(x)$ is a polynomial.
$$\exp\left[\...
- 350
70
votes
11
answers
13k
views
What is significant about the half-sum of positive roots?
I apologize for the somewhat vague question: there may be multiple answers but I think this is phrased in such a way that precise answers are possible.
Let $\mathfrak{g}$ be a semisimple Lie algebra (...
- 3,605
3
votes
1
answer
280
views
Decomposition of tensor powers of the vector representation of $\frak{sl}_n$
Let $V(\pi_1)$ be the usual vector/matrix representation of the Lie algebra $\frak{sl}_n$, for $n > 2$. A basic fact is the tensor product $V(\pi_1) \otimes V(\pi_1)$ decomposes as
$$
V(\pi_1) \...
- 257
1
vote
1
answer
158
views
Commuting time dependent vector fields and pullback invariance
Let $X_t, Y_t \in C^\infty(\mathbb{R}; \mathfrak{X}^\infty(M))$ be (smooth, or something else if it's necessary) time dependent vector fields.
Is there some analogue of the following fact in finite ...
- 193
8
votes
1
answer
295
views
What are twisted Verma modules? Basic properties?
Let $\mathfrak{g}$ be a simple Lie algebra over $\mathbf{C}$, $\lambda$ be a weight in the nonnegative Weyl chamber and $w_1,w_2\in W$. Then the twisted Verma modules are defined e.g. in Andersen and ...
- 5,711
5
votes
2
answers
735
views
Can the exponential map be used to define geodesics (and hence, generalisations of geodesics)?
Let $(M,g)$ be a (connected, paracompact, $C^{\infty}$-smooth) Riemannian manifold with Riemannian metric $g$. The exponential map is defined for each point $p \in M$ to be the map $\exp_p : T_p M \to ...
- 1,379
0
votes
0
answers
52
views
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-...
- 295
54
votes
5
answers
10k
views
Motivating the Casimir element
Weyl's theorem states that any finite-dimensional representation of a finite-dimensional semisimple Lie algebra is completely reducible. In my mind, the "natural" way to prove this result is by way ...
- 82.7k
4
votes
1
answer
248
views
Relation between positive roots of $E_8$ and $\mathbb{F}_2^8 \setminus \{0\}$
There exists an explicit bijection (due to Cayley, that has built up a very nice table to describe this) between the positive roots of the lattice $E_7$ and $\mathbb{F}_2^6 \setminus \{0\}$ (where $\...
- 3,779
3
votes
2
answers
117
views
When do there exist $ n $ commuting, derivations which locally generate $ T_{A/k} $ as an $ A $-module?
Let $ \operatorname{Spec}(A) $ be a non-singular, $ n $-dimensional, affine variety over a field $ k $ of arbitrary characteristic. For the definition of "variety" I use Hartshorne's ...
- 912
15
votes
2
answers
554
views
Annihilate a simple Lie algebra using two commutators
Let $\mathfrak{g}$ be a simple finite-dimensional Lie algebra over an arbitrary field $K$. For any nonzero $x\in\mathfrak{g}$ we must have $[\mathfrak{g},x]\neq\{0\}$, or else we violate simplicity.
...
- 455
2
votes
0
answers
184
views
The canonical automorphism of the symmetric group
Let $S_n$ be the symmetric group of order $n$. Denoting simple transpositions by $\sigma_i$ the collection $\sigma_1, \dots, \sigma_{n-1}$ generates $S_n$ subject to the following relations:
$$
\sigma ...
- 1,144
0
votes
0
answers
138
views
Is $[n]_q!$ invertible in $\mathbb C [[h]]\ $?
Consider the Hopf algebra $U_h (sl_2 (\mathbb C))$ over the ring $\mathbb C [[h]]$ generated by $E, F, H$ and relations $:$
$$[H, E] = 2 E,\ \ [H, F] = - 2 F,\ \ [E, F] = \frac {q^H - q^{-H}} {q - q^{-...
- 41
5
votes
0
answers
146
views
What do the Carnot groups act on?
My question is in some sense a less ambitious version of the following MO question where the answer was inconclusive.
A Carnot group of step $N$ can be identified within the tensor algebra, modulo ...
- 193
45
votes
16
answers
8k
views
What does the generating function $x/(1 - e^{-x})$ count?
Let $x$ be a formal (or small, since the function is analytic) variable, and consider the power series
$$ A(x) = \frac{x}{1 - e^{-x}} = \sum_{m=0}^\infty \left( -\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{(-x)^n}{(n+1)!}...
- 54.6k
32
votes
2
answers
1k
views
A question about subspace in ${\bigwedge}^2({\mathbb R}^n)$
Let $E$ be a linear subspace of ${\bigwedge}^2({\mathbb R}^n)$. What is the minimal dimension of $E$ that guarantees $E$ contains a nonzero element of the form $X\wedge Y$, with $X, Y\in{\mathbb R}^n$?...
- 637
38
votes
18
answers
24k
views
Learning about Lie groups
Can someone suggest a good book for teaching myself about Lie groups? I study algebraic geometry and commutative algebra, and I like lots of examples. Thanks.
2
votes
0
answers
181
views
Howe duality vs first fundamental theorem in invariant theory
I'm working on Howe duality, and R. Howe proved that the Howe duality of $\mathrm{GL}_n$ is equivalent to the first fundamental theorem (FFT) in invariant theory. So, Howe duality gives a ...
7
votes
0
answers
192
views
Constructive theory of Lie algebras
I'm looking for references on constructive Lie algebra theory, e.g. the sort of theory you could develop in Martin-Löf type theory or internal to some topos with a NNO. Obviously excluded middle is ...
- 6,025
3
votes
1
answer
162
views
Sub-coroot systems
Let $T$ be a maximal torus of a compact Lie group $K$,
and let $\Psi \subset {\mathfrak t}$ be the (finite) set of coroots for $(K,T)$, where $\mathfrak t$ is the Lie algebra of $T$.
Assume now that $...
- 167
4
votes
0
answers
279
views
What is the exponential map from the Lie algebra $\mathfrak{sl}(2,\mathbb{C})\ltimes_\textrm{ad}\mathfrak{sl}(2,\mathbb{C})$ to its Lie group?
$\DeclareMathOperator\ad{ad}\DeclareMathOperator\Ad{Ad}\DeclareMathOperator\Exp{Exp}\DeclareMathOperator\SL{SL}\DeclareMathOperator\sl{\mathfrak{sl}}$Let $G:=\SL(2, C) \ltimes_{\Ad} \SL(2,C)$, where $\...
4
votes
0
answers
128
views
Tannakian reconstruction and the distribution algebra
$\DeclareMathOperator\Dist{Dist}\DeclareMathOperator\Lie{Lie}\DeclareMathOperator\Rep{Rep}\DeclareMathOperator\End{End}$Let $G$ be an affine group scheme over a commutative ring $k$ (I am mainly ...
- 3,446
2
votes
1
answer
207
views
Difference between two definitions of affine Lie algebras
Let $\mathfrak{g}$ be a finite-dimensional simple Lie algebra over $\mathbb{C}$, we have the notion of affinization of $\mathfrak{g}$, which is the central extension of the corresponding loop algebra.
...
- 1,391
5
votes
2
answers
479
views
How to define cohomology of algebraic structures?
I learned that the Hochschild cohomology of an associative algebra $A$ with a bimodule $M$ is defined using the cochain
\begin{align*}
\cdots \rightarrow C^n(A,M) \stackrel{d^n}{\longrightarrow} C^{n+...
- 775
5
votes
0
answers
169
views
Reference request: Whitehead's lemma for semisimple Lie algebras
Let $\mathfrak{g}$ be a semisimple Lie algebra and let $V$ be a representation. One formulation of Whitehead's lemma is that the Lie algebra cohomology of $V$ is given by
$$H^{\bullet}(\mathfrak{g}, V)...
- 491
4
votes
1
answer
240
views
Number of representations of a semisimple Lie algebra of any given dimension
For a semisimple complex Lie algebra $\frak{g}$ it is well known that irreducible finite-dimensional representation are not characterised by their dimension.
More formally, let us define an ...
- 327
1
vote
0
answers
106
views
How does $R \equiv 1\ (\text {mod}\ h)\ $?
Definition $:$ Let $H$ be a Hopf algebra. An invertible element $R \in H \otimes H$ is called a coboundary structure on $H$ if
$(1)$ $\Delta^{\text {op}} = R \Delta R^{-1},$
$(2)$ $R_{21} = R^{-1},$
$(...
- 41
2
votes
1
answer
339
views
Knapp's proof that the fundamental group of a compact semisimple Lie group is finite
In Knapp's book Representation Theory of Semisimple Groups: An Overview Based on Examples, he proves the following theorem of Weyl: If $G$ is a compact connected semisimple Lie group, then $\pi_1(G)$ ...
- 241
5
votes
1
answer
398
views
Asymptotically nilpotent matrices
A matrix $A\in\textbf{Mat}_n(\mathbb{R})$ is called asymptotically nilpotent if for each vector $v$, ${\lim}_{k\to\infty}A^k(v) = 0$. Assume that $\mathcal{A}, \mathcal{B}$ be maximal (under ...
- 291
3
votes
1
answer
140
views
Asymptotics of Haar moments on general Lie groups
I am trying to understand the asymptotics of Haar Moments on general compact Lie groups (in particular, subgroups of $\mathrm{SU}(n)$). I have learned that closed form formulae for these moments are ...
- 179