Step algebras of quantum \({\mathfrak{sl}}(n)\) (Q1194203)

Let \({\mathfrak g}\) be a simple complex finite dimensional Lie algebra, \({\mathfrak k}\) a reductive subalgera of \({\mathfrak g}\). The method of step algebras was introduced in [\textit{J. Mickelsson}, Rep. Math. Phys. 4, 307- 318 (1973; Zbl 0285.17005)] and has been applied to the classification of irreducible \({\mathfrak k}\)-finite \({\mathfrak g}\)-modules. This paper is concerned with irreducible \(U_ q({\mathfrak k})\)-finite \(U_ q({\mathfrak g})\)-modules, when \({\mathfrak g}={\mathfrak{sl}}(n,\mathbb{C})\) and \({\mathfrak k}\) is the complexification of \(su(n-1,1)\). For this goal, \(q\)-analogues of the step algebras are introduced. The main result states that for a highest weight \(\omega=(\varepsilon_ 1 q^{\lambda_ 1},\dots,\varepsilon_{n-1} q^{\lambda_{n-1}},\omega_ n)\) which is dominant with respect to \({\mathfrak k}\) and such that \(\lambda_ 1\geq 0\), there exists a unique (up to isomorphism) irreducible \(U_ q({\mathfrak k})\)-finite \(U_ q({\mathfrak g})\)-module \(V\) such that \(V_ \omega\) is minimal (in some technical sense).