Positivity and higher Teichmüller theory (Q1620852)

A totally positive matrix in \(\mathrm{GL}(n,\mathbb{R})\) is a matrix all of whose minors are positive. The concept goes back to works of Schoenberg and Gantmacher and Krein in the 30's. The authors introduce \(\Theta\)-positivity, a new notion of positivity in real semisimple Lie groups. This notion generalizes at the same time Lusztig's total positivity in split real Lie groups as well as well known concepts of positivity in Lie groups of Hermitian type. They show that there are two other families of Lie groups, \(\mathrm{SO} (p,q)\) for \(p\neq q\) and a family of exceptional Lie groups, which admit a \(\Theta\)-positive structure. They describe key aspects of \(\Theta\)-positivity and make a connection with representations of surface groups and higher Teichmüller theory. For the entire collection see [Zbl 1396.00017].