The Dynkin index and \(\mathfrak{sl}_2\)-subalgebras of simple Lie algebras (Q2339482)

The paper under review provides simple formulae for the index of \(\mathfrak{sl}_2\)-subalgebras, in particular, for principal \(\mathfrak{sl}_2\)-subalgebras, in classical simple finite dimensional Lie algebras. Consequently, one can compute the difference between the indices of principal and subregular \(\mathfrak{sl}_2\)-subalgebras. The formula for this difference involves some data related to the McKay correspondence for the Lie algebra in question. As an application, three series of combinatorial identities parameterised by partitions are obtained.