On orbit sum values of elements of finite order (Q1294357)

Let \(G\) be a compact simply connected simple Lie group and \(T\) a maximal torus in \(G\). A complex-valued function \(f\) on \(G\) is called a class function if it is constant on conjugacy classes, that is, if \(f(gxg^{-1})=f(x)\) for all \(x,g\in G\). Since every conjugacy class intersects \(T\) and conjugation in \(G\) restricts to the action of the Weyl group \(W\) on \(T\), class functions are determined by their \(W\)-invariant restriction to \(T\). By the Peter-Weyl theorem the irreducible characters \(\chi_\lambda\) of \(G\) \((\lambda\) a dominant integral weight) form a basis of the space of class functions on \(G\). Another basis consists of the orbit sums \(\varphi_\lambda= \sum_{\mu \in W\lambda}e^\mu\). The irreducible characters can be written as linear combinations of the orbit sums with weight multiplicities as coefficients. A fast recursion formula for computing these multiplicities has been given by \textit{R. V. Moody} and \textit{J. Patera} [Bull. Am. Math. Soc., New Ser. 7, 237-242 (1982; Zbl 0494.17005)]. In [Math. Comput. 48, 799-827 (1987; Zbl 0629.22010)] \textit{V. R. Moody} and \textit{J. Patera} have determined a method for decomposing class functions into linear combinations of irreducible characters, respectively orbit sums, by means of the character values of elements of finite order (EFO) in \(T\). However, no method for efficiently selecting the EFOs was established. The purpose of the paper under review is to provide an explicit criterion for the choice of the EFOs in the decomposition of a given class function. The criterion is based on the following proposition, which is the main result of the paper: Let \(A_n=\{x\in T:\text{Ad} (x)^n=\text{id}\}\), respectively \(T_n=\{x \in T:x^n=1\}\), be the finite subgroup of \(T\) consisting of the elements with adjoint order, respectively full order, dividing \(n\). Let \(P\) denote the weight lattice and \(Q\) the root lattice of \(G\). If \(\{\lambda_1,\dots,\lambda_k\}\) is a set of representatives for the \(W\)-orbits in \(P/nQ\) (respectively \(P/nP)\), then \(A_n\) (respectively \(T_n)\) separates the orbit sums \(\varphi_{\lambda_i}\) and \(\varphi_{\lambda_j}\) for \(i\neq j\).