On a dimension formula for spherical twisted conjugacy classes in semisimple algebraic groups. (Q658325)

Let \(G\) be a connected semisimple algebraic group over an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0, and let \(\theta\) be an automorphism of \(G\). The present article studies the \(\theta\)-twisted conjugacy classes in \(G\), i.e., the orbits of the action of \(G\) on itself given by \(g._\theta h=gh\theta(h)^{-1}\). Of special interest are the spherical \(\theta\)-twisted conjugacy classes, i.e., those having an open orbit under the action of a Borel subgroup of \(G\). The main result is a characterization of the sphericity of a \(\theta\)-twisted conjugacy class \(C\). This is expressed by a formula which involves the dimension of \(C\) and an element \(m_C\) of the Weyl group of \(G\), defined by the property that \(C\cap Bm_CB\) is dense in \(C\). This generalizes a result of \textit{N.\ Cantarini, G.\ Carnovale} and \textit{M.\ Costantini} [Transform. Groups 10, No. 1, 29-62 (2005; Zbl 1101.17006)] where \(\theta\) is the identity. In the paper it is also shown that the set of all elements \(m_C\), where \(C\) is spherical and \(G\) is simple, coincides with the set of elements of the Weyl group \(W\) that are of maximal length in their own \(\theta\)-twisted conjugacy class in \(W\). The case of \(\theta\) an inner automorphism being already known [\textit{K. Y.\ Chan, J.-H.\ Lu} and \textit{S. K.-M. To}, Transform. Groups 15, No. 2, 243-260 (2010; Zbl 1207.20042)], the author provides a proof for \(\theta\) an outer automorphism. A list of all such elements \(m_C\) for any simple group \(G\) is also provided.