All Questions
Tagged with rt.representation-theory lie-groups
78 questions
12
votes
1
answer
2k
views
unitary irreps of O(p,q)
I am interested in the irreducible unitary representations of the orthogonal groups $O(p,q)$. By $O(p,q)$ I mean the real Lie groups which preserve the quadratic form of signature $(p,q)$ in $\mathbb{...
- 295
53
votes
5
answers
8k
views
Beautiful descriptions of exceptional groups
I'm curious about the beautiful descriptions of exceptional simple complex Lie groups and algebras (and maybe their compact forms). By beautiful I mean: simple (not complicated - it means that we need ...
- 1,422
52
votes
2
answers
5k
views
Is there a good mathematical explanation for why orbital lengths in the periodic table are perfect squares doubled?
$\DeclareMathOperator\SO{SO}\newcommand{\R}{\mathbb{R}}\newcommand{\S}{\mathbb{S}}$The periodic table of elements has row lengths $2, 8, 8, 18, 18, 32, \ldots $, i.e., perfect squares doubled. The ...
- 541
22
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Weyl group actions on 0-weight spaces
For a complex simple Lie group G with a maximal torus T, we can take a highest-weight representation V of G and look at the 0-weight space, i.e. the subspace of V of elements invariant under T. This ...
- 301
12
votes
2
answers
2k
views
A decomposition of the "spin representation" of SL(2)
Let us take an N-dimensional (N odd) irreducible representation V of SL(2,R).
It is known that (e.g., Lie groups and Lie algebras III by Vinberg and Onischik, 1994 p. 94) in V there is an invariant ...
- 1,765
10
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Quotient space of $\mathbb{C}^5$ under the action of $SL(2,\mathbb{C})$
One sees that given the $SL(2,\mathbb{C})$ action on $\mathbb{C}^5$, thought of as the space of polynomials of the form,
$$a_0 x^4 + 4a_1 x^3 y + 6a_2x^2y^2 + 4a_3xy^3 + a_4 y^4$$
the ring of ...
- 3,541
60
votes
8
answers
13k
views
Why the Killing form?
I'm teaching a short summer course on algebraic groups and it's time to talk about the Killing form on the Lie algebra. The students are all undergrads of varying levels of inexperience, and I try to ...
- 7,273
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.
33
votes
3
answers
6k
views
When is a finite dimensional real or complex Lie Group not a matrix group
I have a smattering of knowledge and disconnected facts about this question, so I would like to clarify the following discussion, and I also seek references and citations supporting this knowledge. ...
- 1,161
23
votes
3
answers
2k
views
How bad can $\pi_1$ of a linear group orbit be?
Let $G$ be a simply connected Lie group and $\mathcal O= G(v)=G/G_v$ a $G$-orbit in some finite-dimensional $G$-module $V$. By the homotopy exact sequence, its fundamental group $\Gamma$ is the ...
- 31.5k
20
votes
3
answers
840
views
Is there an analogue of the hive model for Littlewood-Richardson coefficients of types $B$, $C$ and $D$?
If $V_\lambda$, $V_\mu$ and $V_\nu$ are irreducible representations of $\operatorname{GL}_n$, the Littlewood-Richardson coefficient $c_{\lambda\mu}^\nu$ denotes the multiplicity of $V_\nu$ in the ...
- 313
19
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Does every irreducible representation of a compact group occur in tensor products of a faithful representation and its dual?
(Previously posted on math.SE with no answers.)
Let $G$ be a compact Lie group and $V$ a faithful (complex, continuous, finite-dimensional) representation of it. Is it true that every (complex, ...
- 118k
19
votes
5
answers
2k
views
Is there a formula for the Frobenius-Schur indicator of a rep of a Lie group?
Let $G$ be a simple algebraic group group over $\mathbb C$.
Let $V$ be a self-dual representation of $G$.
Let $\lambda$ be the highest weight of $V$.
Write $\lambda$ as a sum of fundamental weights: $...
- 43.2k
18
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Which groups have only real and quaternionic irreducible representations?
Consider a continuous irreducible representation of a compact Lie group on a finite-dimensional complex Hilbert space. There are three mutually exclusive options:
1) it's not isomorphic to its dual (...
- 22.3k
15
votes
3
answers
5k
views
Definitions of Reductive and Semisimple Groups
I'm a graduate student. I've been reading Knapp's two books Representation Theory of Semisimple Groups and Lie Groups Beyond an Introduction. He seems to give wildly different definitions for the ...
- 151
11
votes
3
answers
861
views
Nonnegativity of an integral over the unitary group
For an $n$-by-$n$ unitary matrix $U$ and a permutation $\sigma\in S_n$, let
$$w_\sigma=(-1)^\sigma\det(U^*)\prod_{i=1}^n U_{i,\sigma(i)}.$$
Is $\int_{U(n)}\mathrm{Re}(w_{\sigma_1})\mathrm{Re}(w_{\...
- 1,593
9
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Fundamental representations and weight space dimension
For the Lie algebra $\frak{sl}_n$, its fundamental representations can be realised as the exterior powers of the first fundamental representation. From this we can see that their weight spaces are all ...
- 643
9
votes
1
answer
277
views
Algorithmically handling the Spin groups in larg(ish) dimensions
Question: Is there a reasonably efficient algorithmic representation of $\mathit{Spin}_n$? By this I mean, a way to store its elements and operate on them (multiply, inverse, maybe compute ...
- 32.5k
6
votes
2
answers
788
views
Reference request: Projective representations of a simply connected real semisimple Lie group lift to unitary representations
I recently got interested in representation theory in quantum mechanics and I read the following theorem:
Let $G$ be a simply-connected Lie group with $H^2(\mathfrak{g},\mathbb{R})=0$ and let $\...
- 189
6
votes
3
answers
623
views
Generalization of a theorem of Burnside to non-compact groups
The following two theorems are often attributed to Burnside:
Theorem Let $G$ and $H$ be compact groups. Then the irreducible representations of $G\times H$ are precisely the representations $\pi\...
- 161
6
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Finite dimensional Lie algebra with non-degenerate invariant bilinear forms $\Omega_{ab}$
Firstly, my apology to MO experts that I am in a more science/physics background (a PhD). So please feel free refine/modify/comment my language if I have different math accents than yours. From ...
- 755
5
votes
1
answer
555
views
Intersections of $B$ and $B^-$ orbits in the flag variety $G/B$
Let $G = SL_n(\mathbb{C})$, $B$ be a Borel subgroup, and $B^-$ be the opposite Borel.
Both the $B$ and $B^-$ orbits on the flag variety $G/B$ are indexed by the Weyl group $W$. Let $S_{w_1}$ and $S^-...
- 1,719
5
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Complete classification of six dimensional non-semi simple Lie algebra
I would aim to know the complete classification of 6 dimensional non-semi simple Lie algebra (here the dimension stands for the generators; or the dimension $\leq 6$).
In this paper, in page 7, it ...
- 81
4
votes
1
answer
380
views
The existence of a finite dimensional Lie algebra with a given symmetric invariant metric
The question is motivated by a more broad perspective in another MO post and here, but here we would like to understand a specific case (our question potentially connects to / is motivated b Quantum ...
- 755
4
votes
0
answers
350
views
Interpolated simple integral fusion categories of Lie type
$\DeclareMathOperator\PSL{PSL} \DeclareMathOperator\Rep{Rep}$The idea motivating this post is that there should exist a global understanding of the unitary fusion categories $\Rep(G(q))$, with $G(q)$ ...
3
votes
1
answer
483
views
Relationship between the representation theory of $\operatorname{Spin}(n)$ and $\operatorname{SO}(n)$
$\DeclareMathOperator\SO{SO}\DeclareMathOperator\Spin{Spin}$What is the exact relationship between the finite dimensional representations of the group $\SO(n)$ and its covering group $\Spin(n)$? More ...
- 393
2
votes
1
answer
359
views
Characterization of the weight orbit in the projective space via second order Casimir.
This is the spin-off of the question I previously asked.
First, let me remind you some notation from that question:
$G_0$ - compact, simply connected Lie group giving rise (by complexification) ...
- 965
31
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Rep Theory Consequences of Bott--Weil--Borel
I've been getting interested in the (Bott--)Borel--Weil theorem lately. As a (mainly) geometer it is very interesting to see representation appearing (from nowhere as far as I can see) in the theory ...
- 3,399
27
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Definitions of real reductive groups
There are several definitions of real reductive groups, sometimes subtly inequivalent. The following come to my mind:
A closed subgroup of $GL(n,\mathbb C)$ closed under conjugate transpose.
The set ...
- 971
24
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Is it possible to realize the Moebius strip as a linear group orbit?
On MSE this got 5 upvotes but no answers not even a comment so I figured it was time to cross-post it on MO:
Is the Moebius strip a linear group orbit? In other words:
Does there exists a Lie group $ ...
- 4,081
20
votes
0
answers
763
views
Should the Dynkin diagrams of types $A_1$ and $B_2$ be labelled $C_1$ and $C_2$?
The labels $A$--$G$ attached to connected Dynkin diagrams are of course arbitrary,
the result of historical accidents. In order to avoid repetitions, the four infinite
families $A_\ell, B_\ell, C_\...
- 52.9k
15
votes
1
answer
656
views
Linear embeddings of nilpotent pro-$p$ groups
Is it true that every finitely generated (topologically) torsion-free nilpotent pro-$p$ group is isomorphic to a subgroup of $U_d(\mathbb{Z}_p)$, the group of $d\times d$-upper triangular matrices ...
- 657
15
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Isomorphism between Spin(3,2) and Sp(4, R)
I've been using the fact that Spin(3,2) is isomorphic to Sp(4, R) for a while, but I've never seen a proof. Can anyone point me in the direction of a good reference?
- 393
13
votes
1
answer
398
views
Mathematical explanation of orbital shell sizes: why is it sufficient to consider single-electron wave functions?
Motivation
The question "Is there a good mathematical explanation for why orbital lengths in the periodic table are perfect squares doubled?" asks for an explanation of the sequence 2, 8, 8, ...
- 2,549
12
votes
0
answers
967
views
What is miraculous about the mirabolic subgroup?
I recently asked this question about Euler subgroups and generalizing the automorphic theory of $\mathrm{GL}_n$ to a more general setting. My question here is more specific.
As mentioned there, the ...
- 2,516
12
votes
3
answers
2k
views
What is a good introduction to branching rules in representation theory?
I'm looking for a book or introductory article, that explains branching rules in representation theory of real Lie groups.
When a Lie group has a set of irreducible representations, I'd like to know ...
- 5,565
12
votes
1
answer
564
views
Is there an analogue of spin/oscillator representation for the general linear Lie algebra?
(Work over complex numbers)
Let $V$ be an orthogonal space. Let $Pin(V)$ be the double cover of the orthogonal group $O(V)$. Then $Pin(V)$ has a basic spin representation which we can think of as the ...
- 10.7k
11
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Interpret Fourier transform as limit of Fourier series
Let $V=\mathbb{R}^n$, $\Lambda_r=2\pi r \mathbb{Z}^n \subset V (r>0)$ a lattice; $V^*\cong\mathbb{R}^n$ the dual vector space of $V$, and $\Lambda_r^*=\frac{1}{2\pi r} \mathbb{Z}^n =\text{Hom}(\...
- 1,906
10
votes
0
answers
392
views
Fake degrees: why coinvariant algebra and classical groups over finite fields?
Apologies if this is not research level math (in that it concerns well-known stuff), but I am having trouble tracking down sources that explain the following. References would be very appreciated.
...
- 24.2k
10
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Algebraicity of holomorphic representations of a semisimple complex linear algebraic group
Let $G$ be a complex linear algebraic group, given to us as a closed subgroup of some $\mathrm{GL}(n,\mathbb{C})$. Suppose moreover that $G$ is semisimple. Then it's a fact that every finite-...
- 2,713
8
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Lie algebras to classify Lie groups
What does the classification of Complex Semi-simple Lie algebras buy us in terms of classifying Lie groups? Certainly it classifies complex semi-simple lie groups but can we get any better? I know we ...
- 81
8
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Weingarten function for unitary group
Studying integration over unitary group I came across this function, the Weingarten function Wg, such that
$$ \int_{\mathcal{U}(N)} \prod_{k=1}^{n} U_{i_kj_k}
U^*_{m_k r_k} dU=\sum_{\tau,\sigma\in S_n}...
- 1,549
7
votes
2
answers
418
views
About the map $S(\mathfrak{g}^ * )^G\rightarrow S(\mathfrak{h}^ * )^H$ for $H < G$
Let $G$ be a compact connected semisimple Lie group, $\mathfrak{g}$ be its complexified Lie algebra and $\mathfrak{g}^*$ its complex dual space. We can form the symmetric algebra $S(\mathfrak{g}^ * ) $...
- 9,019
7
votes
1
answer
1k
views
When is the Ad (Adjoint Representation) Morphism a Closed Map
Given a Lie group $\mathfrak{G}$ with finite centre and with Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}$, I am looking at a simple proof that negative definite Killing form implies compactness. This proof is given ...
- 1,161
7
votes
0
answers
509
views
Small sum of group elements acting as rank 1 matrix.
I am interested in constructing small (as possible) group $G$ with large dimensional irreducible representation $\rho,V$ such that exist three elements of $g_1,g_2,g_3\in G$ such that for some $c_1,...
- 2,179
7
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Automorphism group of the special unitary group $SU(N)$
Let us consider the automorphism group of the special unitary group $G=SU(N)$.
We know there is an exact sequence:
$$
0 \to \text{Inn}(G) \to \text{Aut}(G) \to \text{Out}(G) \to 0.
$$
For $G=SU(2)...
- 2,147
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
6
votes
1
answer
567
views
Finite simple groups and $ \operatorname{SU}_n $
A follow-up question to Alternating subgroups of $\mathrm{SU}_n $.
$\DeclareMathOperator\PU{PU}\DeclareMathOperator\PSU{PSU}\DeclareMathOperator\PSL{PSL}$Let $ \PU_m $ be the projective unitary group, ...
- 4,081
6
votes
1
answer
2k
views
A request for suggestions of advanced topics in representation theory
Please Note: The main points of the question below are in bold in order to minimize the time required to read the question.
Let me begin by stating that I understand representation theory is a vast ...
6
votes
2
answers
1k
views
How many principal bundles are there over a given base?
I'm currently considering principal bundles and classifying spaces in the context of gauge theory and a crucial question came to my mind:
Is there a way to say how many (isomorphism classes of) ...
- 241