No label defined (Q4517074)

Let \(\mathfrak g\) be a semisimple complex Lie algebra, \(G\) the adjoint group of \(\mathfrak g\) and \(G_R\) the group of real points of \(G\). Let \({\mathfrak g}_0\) be a real form of \(\mathfrak g\). Then the identity component \(G_0\) of \(G_R\) for the Lie group topology is just the adjoint group of \({\mathfrak g}_0\). It is well-known that the nilpotent variety \(\mathfrak N\) of \(\mathfrak g\) is irreducible and consists of finitely many \(G\)-orbits. Let \({\mathfrak O}_1\) , \({\mathfrak O}_2\) be two \(G\)-orbits in \(\mathfrak N\). If \({\mathfrak O}_2\) is contained in the closure of \({\mathfrak O}_1\), one writes \({\mathfrak O}_1\geq {\mathfrak O}_2\). If \({\mathfrak O}_1\geq {\mathfrak O}_2\) but \({\mathfrak O}_1\neq {\mathfrak O}_2\) one \({\mathfrak O}_1>{\mathfrak O}_2\). The relation \(\geq\) is a partial order on the set of \(G\)-orbits in \(\mathfrak N\) to which one refers as the closure ordering. For \(G_R\)-orbit and \(G_0\)-orbit, we shall use analogous definitions and terminology. The closure ordering for \(G\)-orbit in \(\mathfrak N\) is well-known [see \textit{R. W. Carter}, Finite groups of Lie type: conjugacy classes and complex characters. New York: Wiley (1985; Zbl 0567.20023) and \textit{D. H. Collingwood} and \textit{W. M. McGovern}, Nilpotent orbits in semisimple Lie algebras. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold (1993; Zbl 0972.17008)]. If \(\mathfrak g\) is of classical type, the closure ordering for \(G_R\)-orbits in \({\mathfrak N}_R\) was determined in the author's papers [Lect. Notes Math. 848, 63--83 (1981; Zbl 0462.22003) and Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 270, 217--252 (1988; Zbl 0488.22022)]. The main result of this paper is the description of the closure ordering of \(G_0\)-orbits in \({\mathfrak N}_R\) when \({\mathfrak g}_0\) is the split real form \(F_4\).