On Hopf algebras with positive bases (Q5936180)

Let \(H\) be a finite-dimensional Hopf algebra over the field of complex numbers. A basis for \(H\) over \(\mathbb{C}\) is called positive if the structure constants of all structure maps of \(H\) with respect to this basis are nonnegative real numbers. The main result of this paper states that the Hopf algebras \(H\) which admit a positive basis are exactly the bicrossed products (also called bismash products) \(k^{G_+}\#kG_-\) constructed by \textit{M. Takeuchi} [Commun. Algebra 9, 841-882 (1981; Zbl 0456.16011)] and \textit{S. Majid} [J. Algebra 130, No. 1, 17-64 (1990; Zbl 0694.16008)] from a group factorization \(G=G_+G_-\). A classification result for Hopf algebras in the symmetric category \(C\) of correspondences is also given; the category \(C\) has finite sets as objects, while morphisms between objects \(X\) and \(Y\) of \(C\) are subsets of \(X\times Y\). Related results, connected with quasi-triangular structures, are obtained by the same authors [in Duke Math. J. 104, No. 1, 1-18 (2000; Zbl 0960.16043), and Contemp. Math. 267, 339-356 (2000; Zbl 0978.16034)].