Simple \(\text{SL}(n)\)-modules with normal closures of maximal torus orbits (Q968239): Difference between revisions

Let \(T\) be a maximal torus of the group \(\text{SL}(n)\). It was proved by \textit{J. Morand} [C. R. Acad. Sci., Paris, Sér. I, Math. 328, No. 3, 197-202 (1999; Zbl 0970.20027)] that the closure of each torus orbit in the adjoint representation is a normal variety. In this paper the author classifies all simple rational \(\text{SL}(n)\)-modules \(V\) with this property, i.e. for each point \(v\in V\) the closure \(\overline{Tv}\) is a normal affine variety (*). The main theorem states that the only irreducible representations that satisfy this condition are: (1) the tautological representation; (2) the adjoint representation; (3) seven exceptional cases; and representations dual to these. -- The exceptional cases appear for \(n\leq 6\). To prove that these representations satisfy (*) the author uses combinatorial arguments, some from graph theory. To construct nonnormal closures for other representations the author proceeds in two steps. First the case of fundamental representations is solved. This is done by reducing all possibilities (depending on \(n\) and the weight vector) to a few special cases. Then the author shows how to deal with all other weights. The article is well-written and can be read by any person with basic knowledge on representation theory. Although many of the arguments rely on combinatorics, all notions are either explained or are commonly known.