Two-parameter quantum groups and Drinfel'd doubles. (Q1876071)

The authors study two parameter deformations \(\widetilde U\), of \(\mathfrak{gl}_n\), and \(U\), of \(\mathfrak{sl}_n\), respectively, which are versions of the Hopf algebras introduced by \textit{M. Takeuchi} [Proc. Japan Acad., Ser. A 66, No. 5, 112--114 (1990; Zbl 0723.17012)]. It is shown that both \(\widetilde U\) and \(U\) are isomorphic to the Drinfel'd double of a convenient Hopf subalgebra; this generalizes the authors' previous results relating Drinfel'd doubles and down-up algebras [Math. Z. 238, No. 3, 523--553 (2001; Zbl 1006.16028)]. A quantum Casimir element is constructed, which is used in the authors' work [Lect. Notes Pure Appl. Math. 237, 65--92 (2004; Zbl 1048.16021)] in order to study the representation theory of the two parameter quantum groups.