Eisenstein series and quantum affine algebras (Q1281949)

In this interesting paper, the Ringel-Hall algebra (and some variants of it) is studied for the category \(\text{coh}(X)\) of coherent sheaves over \(X\), where \(X\) is a smooth projective curve over a finite field \(\mathbb{F}_q\). More precisely, the complex valued functions on isomorphism classes of objects of \(\text{coh}(X)\) carry an algebra structure, which is analogous to the classical Hall algebra of a discrete valuation ring [see \textit{I. G. Macdonald}, Symmetric functions and Hall polynomials. 2nd ed. (Oxford, Clarendon Press) (1998; Zbl 0899.05068)] and to Ringel's Hall algebras for module categories over hereditary algebras. Among those functions are `automorphic forms', i.e. functions on vector bundles, and Eisenstein series. The main results of the paper give precise relations for certain generating functions which are quite similar to relations in quantum affine algebras. An important (and motivating) example is that of the projective line \(\mathbb{P}^1\) over \(\mathbb{F}_q\). A special case of \textit{A. A. Beilinson}'s theorem [Funct. Anal. Appl. 12, 214-216 (1979); translation from Funkts. Anal. Prilozh. 12, No. 3, 68-69 (1978; Zbl 0424.14003)] asserts that \(\text{coh} (\mathbb{P}^1)\) is derived equivalent to the module category of a finite dimensional hereditary algebra (of Dynkin type \(A_1^{(1)})\), the Kronecker algebra. \textit{J. A. Green}'s theorem [Invent. Math. 120, 361-377 (1995; Zbl 0836.16021)] which extends Ringel's theorem [\textit{C. M. Ringel}, Invent. Math. (1990; Zbl 0735.16009)] gives an isomorphism between the composition algebra (a subalgebra of the Hall algebra) and the positive part \(U_q(\widehat {\mathfrak n}_+)\) of the quantum affine algebra associated with the same Dynkin diagram \(A_1^{(1)}\). Kapranov's `Ringel-Hall algebra' construction for \(\text{coh} (\mathbb{P}^1)\) produces a different `nilpotent' subalgebra of the same quantum affine algebra. For general \(X\) as above, \(\text{coh} (X)\) still is a hereditary category and much of the technology developed by Ringel and Green for module categories of hereditary algebras still works. The new algebras produced in this way relate quantum affine algebras and automorphic forms on \(X\) by many striking analogies. These analogies are collected in a table in section 5.3 (which also poses the open problem to fill in the remaining entries of the table by new analogies). For example, positive roots correspond to cusp eigenforms, and root space decomposition of \(U_q(\widehat{\mathfrak n}_+)\) corresponds to spectral decomposition of the algebra of automorphic forms. To pass from the `positive part' \(U_q(\widehat{\mathfrak n}_+)\) to the full quantum affine algebra \(U_q (\widehat {\mathfrak g})\), one may apply the technique of forming the Drinfeld double. This has been done by \textit{Jie Xiao} [J. Algebra 190, 100-144 (1997; Zbl 0874.16026)]. The present paper complements this approach by adding the Heisenberg double as an intermediate step. Finally, the main result (theorem 6.7) states several identities between certain generating functions which hold true in the Drinfeld double of the Hall algebra of automorphic forms. These identities are very similar to relations valid in quantum affine algebras, in particular if one defines these algebras by Drinfeld's loop realization.