On linear equations in free Lie algebras (Q420695)

Let \(L\) be a free Lie algebra over a field, and assume \(u_1,\dots,u_k\in L\). Consider the equation \([x_1,u_1]+[x_2,u_2]+\dots+[x_k,u_k]=0\) where \(x_1,\dots,x_k\) are indeterminates. Clearly the solutions of this equation form a vector subspace of \(L\oplus \dots\oplus L\), \(k\) copies of \(L\). The paper describes quite tightly the structure of the solution space in several cases. First if the \(u_i=a_i\) are free generators of \(L\), and \(L\) is of rank \(k\) the authors describe explicitly the dimensions of the homogeneous components of the solution space. A solution of the above equation is inner if each of its components belongs to the subalgebra of \(L\) generated by \(u_1,\dots,u_k\). The authors prove that whenever the \(u_i\) are distinct free generators of \(L\) and \(L\) is of rank larger than \(k\) then each solution is inner. It turns out that if one takes for the \(u_i\) any independent set instead of free generators then the inner solutions form a subspace of finite codimension inside the space of all solutions. A precise information is obtained for the case of the multilinear components of the solution space. We do not recall the exact result here since it sounds rather technical. The paper will be quite interesting for anyone studying free Lie algebras.