Dimension formula for graded Lie algebras and its applications (Q4257583)

Let \(\Gamma\) be a countable abelian semigroup and \(L\) a Lie algebra such that \(L = \bigoplus_{\alpha \in \Gamma} L_{\alpha}\), where each space \(L_{\alpha}\) is finite-dimensional. Then the algebra \(L\) is called \(\Gamma\)-graded. The classic example is grading of positive and negative parts of Kac-Moody algebras by the root system. In this paper, the authors determine a formula for the dimension of the spaces \(L_{\alpha}\) in this general setting, using techniques previously applied by the first author for various Kac-Moody-type examples [see ``Lie algebras and their representations'', Contemp. Math. 194, 161-176 (1996; Zbl 0867.17023)] and study numerous important examples. More precisely, in Section 1, the authors derive the basic dimension formula \[ \dim L_{\alpha} = \sum_{d| \alpha} ( \mu(d)/d) W(\alpha/d), \] where \(\mu\) is the Möbius function, \(W(\beta)\) is a Witt partition function and the notation \(d| \alpha\) means \(\alpha = d\tau\) for some \(\tau \in \Gamma\). Of course, all the work in the formula is being done by the Witt partition function, and the detailed analysis of special cases is aimed at giving explicit formulations of this function and deriving combinatorial consequences. First, the authors consider free Lie algebras, where their dimension formula gives the generalized Witt formula. In the case where \(L\) is a free Lie algebra generated by a finite-dimensional vector space, the authors recover the classical Witt formula. The generalized Witt formula was previously known, but here the authors consider one and two-parameter generalizations, deriving the relevant dimension formulae and numerous combinatorial identities. The second class of examples is symmetrizable Kac-Moody algebras, \(\mathfrak g\), graded by the root system, where the dimension formula leads to a closed-form root multiplicity formula previously obtained by the first author [Duke Math. J. 74, 635-666 (1994; Zbl 0823.17031)]. Here, the formula is applied to the study of root multiplicities of rank 2 hyperbolic Kac-Moody algebras and the rank 3 algebra \(F\) studied by \textit{A. J. Feingold} and \textit{I. B. Frenkel} [Math. Ann. 263, 87-144 (1983; Zbl 0499.17006)]. By viewing the algebra in different ways, the authors are able to give three different root multiplicity formulas for \(F\): in terms of the paths in crystal base theory; in terms of Kostka numbers, and using the Weyl group PGL\((2,\mathbb{Z})\) of \(F\). The authors also consider extended hyperbolic Kac-Moody algebras. Turning to generalized Kac-Moody algebras, the authors again give a closed-form root multiplicity root formula and apply it to low-rank generalized Kac-Moody algebras, the Monster and a general class called Monstrous Lie algebras defined with reference to certain formal power series. Finally, in Section 5, the authors consider graded Lie algebras and their connections with certain product identities and automorphic forms, pointing out the relationship with Eisenstein series studied by \textit{R. E. Borcherds} [Invent. Math. 120, No. 1, 161-213 (1995)]. The paper contains a wealth of combinatorial information and the numerous examples fully illustrate the power of the underlying idea of attacking the dimension problem in this generality.