Skip to main content
1 of 2
Dr. Evil
  • 2.8k
  • 1
  • 17
  • 22

Jordan decomposition for simple Lie algebra

Let $\mathfrak{g}$ be a simple complex Lie algebra. Let us fix a Cartan, a Borel, and generators $x_\alpha$ of negative simple roots. Then $N:=\sum x_\alpha$ is a principal (=regular) nilpotent element. Now suppose $X$ is an element of the Cartan.

Question: What is the Jordan decomposition of $N+X$?

In Type $A$, one finds that $N+X$ is conjugate to $N'+X$ where $N'$ is the principal nilpotent of the centraliser $C_{\mathfrak{g}}(X)$. The expression $N'+X$ is then the Jordan decomposition of $N+X$. (Since $N'$ is nilpotent, $X$ is semisimple, and they commute). Does something similar happen in general types?

Dr. Evil
  • 2.8k
  • 1
  • 17
  • 22