Universal K-matrix for quantum symmetric pairs (Q1717249)

The so-called reflection equation constitutes a natural generalization of the Yang-Baxter equation extrapolated to the case of quantum symmetric pairs, formed by the quantized enveloping algebra of a Kac-Moody algebra and a subalgebra satisfying certain conditions. The solutions to these equations have been shown of relevance in the construction of quantum symmetric pairs, hence it is reasonable to expect a deep relation with universal \(K\)-matrices. In this paper, the authors present a detailed construction of a universal \(K\)-matrix for each of the quantum symmetric pair coideal subalgebras \(B_{c;s}\) of \(U_q(\mathfrak{g})\) such that the underlying symmetrizable Kac-Moody algebra \(\mathfrak{g}\) is of finite type. This shows the significant resemblance to the well-known construction of universal \(R\)-matrices for quantized enveloping algebras.