\(k\)-Schur functions and affine Schubert calculus (Q2442143)

This book presents the current state of the art and ongoing work on \textit{affine Schubert calculus} with an accent on the combinatorics of a family of polynomials called \(k\)-Schur functions. Several generalizations of \(k\)-Schur functions are also discussed. In [Duke Math. J. 116, No. 1, 103--146 (2003; Zbl 1020.05069)], \textit{L. Lapointe} et al. found computational evidence of a conjectural property for a family of new bases for a filtration on the symmetric function space: the property is that Macdonald polynomials expand positively in terms of it (see Section 4.11). This gave rise to \(k\)-Schur functions, which then were proven to be connected to a vast set of subjects, see the introduction of the book. Chapter 2 (which occupies 2/3 of the book) presents basics on \(k\)-Schur functions, emphasizing combinatoric aspects in the symmetric function setting. In particular, \(k\)-Pieri rule for the product of \(k\)-Schur functions is discussed. Also, \(k\)-Schur functions (resp. their duals) generate so called \textit{strong} (resp., \textit{weak}) tableaux, which is explained by means of an affine insertion algorithm. A lot of example in \textit{Sage} is given, the authors hope that this will encourage the reader to generate new data and new conjectures. Chapter 3 explains the combinatorial connections between Stanley symmetric functions (appeared when Stanley was enumerating reduced words in the symmetric group) and \(k\)-Schur functions, using root systems, nilCoxeter and nilHecke rings. There are exercises in this chapter. Several geometric interpretations of the material are listed at the end of this chapter. \textit{T. Lam} showed [Am. J. Math. 128, No. 6, 1553--1586 (2006; Zbl 1107.05095)] that the dual \(k\)-Schur functions are a special case of affine analogs of Stanley symmetric functions. Then, the way how Stanley symmetric functions are related to nilCoxeter algebra [\textit{S. Fomin} and \textit{R. P. Stanley}, Adv. Math. 103, No. 2, 196--207 (1994; Zbl 0809.05091)] can be reproduced in the affine setting. Chapter 4 presents the nilHecke ring in the general Kac-Moody setting, and then this ideology is applied for affine Grassmannians. The nilHecke ring was introduced to study the torus equivariant cohomology of Kac-Moody partial flag varieties, and so this chapter presents this geometric aspect of the story. The algebraic part of correspondence between polynomial representatives for the Schubert classes of the affine Grassmannian, and \(k\)-Schur functions in homology and the dual \(k\)-Schur functions in cohomology is presented.