A generalization of Borcherds algebra and denominator formula (Q1911630): Difference between revisions

Borcherds algebras, also known as generalized Kac-Moody algebras, differ from Kac-Moody algebras principally in allowing imaginary simple roots (with root spaces of finite dimension). In this paper, the author provides a clear introduction to the structure and usage of Borcherds (colour) superalgebras. These are superalgebras graded by an arbitrary abelian group \(P\), where the superbracket contains a twist from the colour map \(\theta: P\times P\to C^*\). The precise constructions and basic properties are given in Sections 3 and 4. The main result of the paper, in Section 9, is a character formula for Verma modules and irreducible highest-weight modules with dominant highest weight [cf. \textit{U. Ray}, J. Algebra 177, No. 1, 154-163 (1995; Zbl 0849.17021)].