No label defined (Q4248257)

The \(W\)-algebras have their origin in conformal field theory and are used in different domains of physics and mathematics. The \(W_{\infty}\) algebra is a central extension of the algebra of differential operators on circle analogously as Virasoro algebra is a central extension of an algebra of complex vector fields on circle. The \(W_{\infty}\) algebras are also connected to the second symplectic structure of certain integrable systems. The paper under review consists ot two parts. In the first part the different aspects of the theory of the \(W_n\) algebras are considered. The \(W_n\) algebra is defined as an algebra of functions for the second symplectic structure for the \(n\)-reduction of the equation KP. A short sketch of the first symplectic structure is given. The diffeomorphisms that conserve the nature of differential operators are characterized as the hamiltonian vector fields for the second symplectic structure. In the second part the algebra \(w_{\infty}\) of the regular differential operators on \(\mathbb C \setminus 0\) and its central extension \(W_{\infty}\) are defined. An algebra \(w_{\infty}\) generate the natural deformations of the pseudo-differential operators. Having in mind the representations of its central extension \(W_{\infty}\), it is necessary to introduce the vertex operators. The representation are described in a natural manner in terms of the function \(\tau\) associated to the integrable system. The vertex operators give a good device to the investigation of the matrix models and the spectrum of the stochastic matrices. Many interesting applications are considered: non commutative equations of Hirota as the Fredholm determinant of the stochastic matrix, symmetries of the Toda lattices etc. For the entire collection see [Zbl 0911.00019].