A decomposition of the descent algebra of the hyperoctahedral group. I, II (Q1188128)

The authors extend the decomposition of the Solomon descent algebra of the symmetric group, as given by \textit{A. Garcia} and the reviewer [this work can be found in the reviewer's book ``Free Lie Algebras'' (1993; Zbl 0798.17001)], to the hyperoctahedral group. The free Lie algebra is replaced by a doubly graded free Lie algebra. A product rule for the descent algebra is given, from which a filtration is deduced, with quotients isomorphic to lower descent algebras. The primitive idempotents \(E_ \lambda\) are constructed; they correspond to canonical projections in the free associative algebra. A special basis for the quasi-ideals \(E_ \lambda \Sigma E_ \mu\) is given, whose dimensions have therefore a remarkable combinatorial interpretation. One application is the determination of the radical of \(\Sigma\).