All Questions
Tagged with lie-groups root-systems
60 questions
3
votes
1
answer
162
views
Compact symmetric spaces and sub-root systems
Given two semisimple complex Lie algebras $\frak{g}$ and $\frak{n}$ such that the root system of $\frak{n}$ arises as a sub-root system of the root system of $\frak{g}$, does this then imply that $\...
3
votes
0
answers
50
views
Root systems of maximally noncomact Cartan subalgebras
Let $G$ be a real reductive Lie group, and $K$ a maximal compact subgroup in $G$. Write $\mathfrak{g}$ for the Lie algebra of $G$, and $\mathfrak{g}=\mathfrak{k}+\mathfrak{p}$ for the Cartan ...
- 951
15
votes
6
answers
671
views
Why, conceptually, does the torus normalizer in $G_2$ split?
Background: Let $G$ be a complex reductive group, $T$ a maximal torus, $N$ the normalizer of $T$ in $G$, and $W = N/T$ the Weyl group. All in all, we have a group extension
$$ 1 \to T \to N \to W \to ...
- 815
0
votes
0
answers
69
views
A weakening of the definition of positive roots for a root system
Given a root system $\Delta$ a choice of positive/negative roots is a decomposition of the elements of $\Delta$ into two subsets $\Delta^+$ and $\Delta^-$ satisfying
$$\Delta^+ = - \Delta^-\tag{$*$}\...
- 415
1
vote
0
answers
78
views
The partial orders on the elements of a root system coming from the positive spans of the weights and the roots
Let $(\Delta,V)$ be a root system with a choice of positive roots $\Delta^+$. Denote the $\mathbb{N}_0$-span of the positive roots by $\mathcal{O}^+$, and the $\mathbb{N}_0$-span of the associated ...
3
votes
0
answers
195
views
A property of an irreducible root system
Let $\Phi$ be an irreducible root system. Let $\alpha_k$ be a simple root. I recently observed that the number of positive roots which are bigger than $\alpha_k$ and of height $m$ is same as the ...
- 673
20
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Where do root systems arise in mathematics?
One often hears that root systems are ubiquitous in mathematics and physics. The most obvious occurrence of root systems is in the classification of complex simple Lie algebras. Where else do they ...
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
1
vote
0
answers
105
views
Weyl group action on the Lie algebra [duplicate]
Let $W$ be the Weyl group of a complex semisimple Lie algebra $\frak{g}$. Certainly $W$ acts on the root system $R$ of $\frak{g}$ but can it be made to act on $\frak{g}$ or on the universal enveloping ...
3
votes
0
answers
139
views
Root space inner products and the partial order on roots
For a root system $R$ and a choice of positive roots $R^+$ it is a standard fact (see, e.g., Bourbaki, "Lie Groups and Lie Algebras," Theorem 1 of Section 1.3 of Chapter VI) that
if $(\...
7
votes
2
answers
353
views
Relation between different $E_8$ matrices
There are several rank-8 square matrices known to be related to $E_8$:
Cartan $E_8$ matrix https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E8_(mathematics)#Cartan_matrix
$$M_1=\left [\begin{array}{rr}
2 & -1 &...
- 317
2
votes
0
answers
159
views
The Cartan is a complex vector space but the root system is real?
Let $\frak{g}$ be a complex semisimple Lie algebra with some choice of Cartan subalgebra $\frak{h}$. The dual space $\frak{h}^* = \mathrm{Hom}_{\mathbb{C}}(\frak{h},\mathbb{C})$ is a complex vector ...
- 1,144
3
votes
2
answers
492
views
Pairing a root with the half-sum of positive roots
Let $\frak{g}$ be a finite-dimensional complex simple Lie algebra together with a choice of Cartan subalgebra and associated root system $(\Delta, (-,-))$. Also we denote the half-sum of positive ...
0
votes
1
answer
134
views
Sub-coroot lattices
[This is a sequel to the previous question sub-coroot systems, that has been answered! :-) ]
Let $T$ be a maximal torus of a compact Lie group $K$,
and let $\Lambda \subset {\mathfrak t}$ be the ...
- 167
3
votes
1
answer
161
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
2
votes
0
answers
48
views
Multiplicative invariants of non-reduced root systems
It is a well known fact (cf. [1] VI.3.4 Thm. 1) that if $\Phi$ is a (reduced) root system with weight lattice $P$ and $W$ is the Weyl group of this root system, then the algebra of invariant ...
- 553
2
votes
1
answer
357
views
Tensor product of fundamental representations
Let $\mathfrak{g}$ be a simple complex Lie algebra. Let $V_1,\cdots, V_n$ be the fundamental representations (the irreducible ones with fundamental weights $\omega_1,\cdots,\omega_n$). Take a $k$-...
- 391
5
votes
1
answer
310
views
Non-standard partial orders on root systems
Let $\frak{g}$ be a semisimple complex Lie algebra and let $\Delta$ be its associated root system with $\{\alpha_1, \dotsc, \alpha_l\}$ a choice of positive roots. As we all know - $\Delta$ admits a ...
2
votes
0
answers
386
views
The Weyl dimension formula for fundamental weights
The Weyl dimension formula is an equation to calculate the dimension of a simple $\frak{g}$-module $V_{\lambda}$, of highest weight $\lambda$, for $\frak{g}$ a complex semisimple Lie algebra. ...
- 969
8
votes
0
answers
267
views
A Lie-theoretic question regarding $B\ltimes \mathfrak{g}/\mathfrak{b}$
I am stuck on a seeming elementary Lie-theoretic question arising from a study of components of affine Springer fibers. Will be very grateful if somebody would like to share some insight, or ...
- 1,856
1
vote
1
answer
314
views
A nice/simple relationship between the Chevalley generators of $\mathfrak{sp}_n$ and the Chevally generators of $\mathfrak{sl}_n$?
The Lie algebra $\mathfrak{sl}_n$ is defined to be the trace free matrices in $M_n(\mathbb{C})$. The Lie algebra $\mathfrak{so}_n$ is defined to be the matrices $A$ in $M_n(\mathbb{R})$ satisfying $A +...
- 1,144
4
votes
0
answers
97
views
Why is the $A$-series root system best written in a vector space of one dimension higher?
In the classification of root systems, we have four families $A_n,B_n,C_n$, and $D_n$, and six exceptionals $E_6,E_7,E_8, F_4$, and $G_2$. For every non-exceptional case except $A_n$, the root system ...
- 123
6
votes
1
answer
255
views
A weight generalization of root systems?
For any simple complex Lie algebra $\frak{g}$, with a given choice of Cartan subalgebra $\frak{h}$, we have an associated root system $R \subseteq \frak{h}^*$. The properties of $R$ can be formalized ...
- 123
2
votes
1
answer
229
views
Action of the negative Cartan-Weyl generators on a highest weight element
Let $\frak{g}$ be a complex simple Lie algebra of rank $l$. For $\frak{h}$ a choice of Cartan subalgebra, let $\alpha_1, \cdots, \alpha_r$ be the corresponding choice of simple roots, $X_{\alpha_i}, ...
- 123
3
votes
0
answers
202
views
The group of fixed points of an involution of a Weyl group
Let $R$ be a reduced root system in a vector space $V$ over $\mathbb Q$.
Let $W=W(R)$ denote its Weyl group.
Let $S\subset R$ be a basis of $R$ (a system of simple roots).
Let $D=D(R,S)$ denote the ...
- 14.2k
4
votes
0
answers
265
views
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the exceptional simple Lie group E6, E7, E8
What is the significance of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the exceptional simple Lie group root lattice to the Lie group or other mathematics branches?
For example,
E6, we have
$$
\left(
\begin{...
- 2,147
9
votes
2
answers
657
views
Number of reduced decompositions of the longest element of the Weyl group
Let $R$ be a reduced root system, $W$ the associated Weyl group, and $w_0 \in W$ the longest element of $W$. In general $w_0$ admits more than one reduced decomposition into a product of reflections, ...
- 219
4
votes
1
answer
235
views
A transversal for the $\operatorname{Ad}(K)$ action on a sphere in $\mathfrak{p}$
This exercise level question has been unanswered on MSE for a few years. I hope you can answer it either there or here.
$G$ is a semisimple Lie group with a choice of Cartan decomposition on its Lie ...
- 675
6
votes
1
answer
542
views
Is the connected centralizer of a semisimple element in a connected reductive group also a centralizer?
Let $G$ be a connected reductive algebraic group defined over an algebraically closed field and let $g\in G$ be semisimple. Write $C=\mathrm{C}_G(g)$ and $C^\circ=\mathrm{C}_G(g)^\circ$ for the ...
- 993
5
votes
1
answer
372
views
Table of products for Lie algebra inner product of roots and weights
For a simple Lie algebra $\frak{g}$, it is usual to scale the inner product so that the shortest simple root has length $2$. With this conventions, where can I find a table (online) of the following ...
- 993
8
votes
2
answers
619
views
Relationship between $q$-Weyl dimension formula and $q$-analog of weight multiplicity?
$\DeclareMathOperator\dim{dim}$For a dominant (integral) weight $\lambda$ and any (integral) weight $\mu$ of a simple Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}$, Lusztig's $q$-analog of weight multiplicty $K_{\lambda,...
- 24.2k
2
votes
1
answer
304
views
The simple reflections of the Weyl group in $\operatorname{SO}_{2n}(\mathbb C)$
Let $W$ be the Weyl group corresponding to the maximal torus $diag(t_1, . . . , t_{n}, t^{−1}_n, . . . , t^{−1}_1)$ in a Borel group of $\operatorname{SO}_{2n}(\mathbb C)$.
What are the matrices ...
- 332
1
vote
0
answers
112
views
Nontrivial relations of the irreducible root systems
For the root system of the type $A_n$, the roots are $\alpha _{i,j}$, $1\le i\neq j\le n$, we have the nontrivial relations $(x_{i,j} (t), x_{j,k}(u)) = x_{i,k}(tu)$ if $i, j, k$ are distinct. ($x_{i,...
- 332
6
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Non-faithful irreducible representations of simple Lie groups
For a complex simple Lie algebra $\frak{g}$, which of its finite dimensional irreducible representations give non-faithful representations of the corresponding simply-connected compact Lie group.
...
- 835
4
votes
0
answers
91
views
Good range and fair range
Let $G$ be a noncompact simple Lie group with complexified Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}$. Fix a Cartan involution $\theta$, which defines a maximal compact subgroup $K$ of $G$. Take a $\theta$-stable ...
- 951
1
vote
0
answers
140
views
Some questions about $\rho^{\vee}$ in Lie theory
Let $\mathfrak{g}$ be a semisimple Lie algebra and $I$ its vertices of Dynkin diagram. The weight $\rho$ is defined by $\rho = \sum_{i \in I} \omega_i = \frac{1}{2} \sum_{\alpha \in \Phi^+} \alpha$, ...
- 6,201
26
votes
1
answer
940
views
Are (semi)simple Lie groups some sort of "homotopy quotient groups" of their maximal tori?
Warning: non-specialist writing, some rubbish possible.
The formula $h^*(BG)\cong h^*(BT)^W$ valid for complex oriented cohomology of the classifying space of a compact Lie group $G$ with maximal ...
- 18.4k
2
votes
1
answer
333
views
Dual Coxeter Number for Superalgberas
I am looking for a reference that gives the definition and has summarized the dual Coxeter number for superalgebras, especially for $\mathfrak{u}(m|n)$ (the Lie algebra of unitary supergroup $U(m|n)$)....
- 989
3
votes
0
answers
156
views
How large is the intersection of the root system of a subalgebra of a compact Lie algebra with the original root system?
Let $\mathfrak{g}$ be a finite-dimensional real compact Lie algebra and $\mathfrak{t}\subset \mathfrak{g}$ a maximal abelian subalgebra. Let $\Delta(\mathfrak{g}_\mathbb{C},\mathfrak{t}_\mathbb{C})\...
- 1,942
3
votes
1
answer
271
views
What is the Cartan matrix for a dihedral group?
Dihedral groups are Coxeter groups of type $I_m$, $m \geq 3$. The Coxeter matrix of $I_m$ is
\begin{align}
\left( \begin{matrix} 1 & m \\ m & 1 \end{matrix} \right).
\end{align}
When $m=3,4,6$...
- 6,201
8
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Does the classification of reductive groups follow from that of semisimple groups?
I had a question for anyone familiar with the proofs of the classification of reductive groups. I skipped most of the details of classification when I originally learned linear algebraic groups, and ...
- 6,180
4
votes
1
answer
255
views
How to tell when two abstract root data are isomorphic
This is a related question to one I just asked ($\textrm{GSp}_{4}^{\wedge} \cong \textrm{GSp}_4$).
Let $\Psi=(X,R,X^{\wedge},R^{\wedge}), \Psi_1 = (X_1,R_1,X_1^{\wedge},R_1^{\wedge})$ be two root ...
- 6,180
5
votes
2
answers
626
views
$\textrm{GSp}_{4}^{\wedge} \cong \textrm{GSp}_4$
Everything is over an algebraically closed field of characteristic $\neq 2$. I had constructed a root datum for $\textrm{GSp}_4$ in a less than ideal way, and I had hoped to show that it was self ...
- 6,180
8
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Definition of $\textrm{GSpin}_{2n}$ and its root datum
I'm trying to get my hands on the general spin group $G = \textrm{GSpin}_{2n}$. It have seen it mentioned as a connected, reductive group whose derived group is $\textrm{Spin}_{2n}$, which is the ...
- 6,180
6
votes
1
answer
186
views
Is $\overline{\Delta}$ a linearly independent set?
Let $G$ be a connected reductive group defined over a field $F$. Let $T$ be a maximal torus of $G$ which is defined over $F$, $A_0$ the maximal $F$-split subtorus of $T$, and $X_0$ the cotorsion free ...
- 6,180
6
votes
1
answer
194
views
Involutions and Little Adjoint Representations of Simple Algebras
In what follows I'm going to use $V_{\theta_s}$ for the little adjoint representation af a Lie algebra i.e. the representation associated with the highest short rooth $\theta_s$.
Is easy to see that ...
- 233
1
vote
2
answers
868
views
Is the restricted root system of a simple real Lie group irreducible?
As the title asks, is the restricted root system of a simple real Lie group irreducible?
I believe this is true but I need a reference to cite.
- 19
7
votes
2
answers
508
views
Is this characterization of (-1)-eigenspaces of the Weyl group of $E_6$ known?
I recently needed to know which circles $S$ in a maximal torus $T^6$ of the compact exceptional group $E_6$ yield one-dimensional subspaces $\mathfrak s$ of the Lie algebra $\mathfrak t^6$ that are ...
- 2,995
6
votes
2
answers
531
views
The action of the center on the extended Dynkin diagram
Let $R$ be an irreducible root system with a basis $\Pi$.
We obtain the Dynkin diagram $D$ and the extended Dynkin diagram ${\widetilde{D}}$ of $R$ with respect to $\Pi$.
Let $Q^\vee\subset P^\vee$ ...
- 14.2k
4
votes
1
answer
516
views
Calculation with weights of $E_6$
Question: Consider the complex simple Lie group $E_6$. Let $\lambda_1$ and $\lambda_6$ be the fundamental weights defining the $27$-dimensional representation $V$ and $V^*$, resp. Consider the complex ...
- 4,729