\(K\)-orbits on \(G/B\) and Schubert constants for pairs of signed shuffles in types \(C\) and \(D\) (Q1936128): Difference between revisions

Let \(G\) be a simple algebraic group over \(\mathbb C\) of classical type, and \(B\subset G\) a Borel subgroup. The present paper gives a positive rule for special Schubert constants of the flag variety \(G/B\) in types \(C\) and \(D\). The methods are similar to those used previously by the author in type \(A\). In contrast with the type \(A\) and \(D\) cases, the resulting Schubert constants in type \(C\) are not always equal to one. Recall that for every element \(w\) of the Weyl group of \(G\), the \textit{Schubert variety} \(X_w\subset G/B\) is defined as the Zariski closure of the Bruhat cell \(BwB/B\subset G/B\). If \(B^-\) is the opposite Borel subgroup then the \textit{opposite Schubert variety} \(X^w\) is defined as \(\overline{B^-wB}\). The intersection \(X_{u}^v:=X_u\cap X^v\) (which is always proper and reduced) is called \textit{Richardson variety}. Recall that \([X^u]=[X_{w_0u}]\) in the Chow ring of \(G/B\) (where \(w_0\in W\) is the longest element). The author shows that certain Richardson varieties coincide with the closures of orbits of a symmetric subgroup \(K\subset G\) (that acts on \(G/B\) from the left). Next, he uses a result of \textit{M. Brion} [Comment. Math. Helv. 76, No. 2, 263--299 (2001; Zbl 1043.14012)] on the decomposition of such orbit closures in the basis of Schubert cycles in terms of paths in the weak order graph. For \(G=\mathrm{Sp}_{2n}\) and \(G=\mathrm{SO}_{2n}\), the subgroup \(K\) is equal to \(G\cap(\mathrm{GL}_n\times \mathrm{GL}_n)\subset \mathrm{GL}_{2n}\) and is isomorphic to \(\mathrm{GL}_n\). The author uses his results in type \(A\) for \(\mathrm{GL}_{2n}\) in order to show that the \(K\)-orbits are parameterized by combinatorial objects called \textit{\((n,n)-clans\)} and that certain Richardson varieties among them are parameterized by pattern avoiding clans. The author then describes combinatorially special pairs \(u\), \(v\in W\) (called \textit{signed shuffles}) such that the Richardson variety \(X_{w_0u}^v\) coincides with the closure of the \(K\)-orbit corresponding to the special \((n,n)\)-clan defined in terms of \(u\) and \(v\). For these pairs \((u,v)\), he gives a positive rule for the Schubert constants \(c_{uv}^w\) in the decomposition \[ [X^u]\cdot[X^v]=[X_{w_0u}^v]=\sum_{w\in W}c_{u,v}^w [X^w] \] in the Chow ring of \(G/B\).