On the semisimplicity of the Brauer centralizer algebras (Q1283952)

The Brauer centralizer algebras \(B_n(Q)\) were introduced by \textit{R. Brauer} [Ann. Math., II. Ser. 38, 857-872 (1937; Zbl 0017.39105)]. They are finite-dimensional algebras indexed by a positive integer \(n\) and a complex number \(Q\). For integral values of \(Q\), \(B_n(Q)\) is the centralizer algebra for the orthogonal group or the symplectic group on the \(n\)th-tensor powers of the natural representation. Many authors, such as R. Brauer, W. Brown and H. Weyl proved results on semisimplicity of \(B_n(Q)\). \textit{P. J. Hanlon} and \textit{D. B. Wales} [J. Algebra 121, No. 2, 409-445, 446-476 (1989; Zbl 0695.20026, Zbl 0695.20027) and ibid. 164, No. 3, 773-830 (1994; Zbl 0834.16015), Math. Comput. 54, No. 190, 771-796 (1990; Zbl 0698.20006)] studied the cases in which \(B_n(Q)\) is not semisimple. A recent work of \textit{P. Martin} [J. Algebra 183, No. 2, 319-358 (1996; Zbl 0863.20009)] on a related algebra, called partition algebra, has suggested a new technique for studying the Brauer algebras. The purpose of the paper under review is to extend these techniques to the study of the Brauer algebras. In particular, many results on the structure of \(B_n(Q)\) are recovered such as the results of \textit{H. Wenzl} [Ann. Math., II. Ser. 128, No. 1, 173-193 (1988; Zbl 0656.20040)] on the semisimplicity of \(B_n(Q)\) for non-integer values of \(Q\).