On the structure of \(W\)-algebras in type \(A\) (Q7009874)

The subject of the paper is the detailed analysis of a conjecture concerning \(W\)-algebras in type \(A\) as successive quantum Hamiltonian reductions of affine vertex algebras associated with several hook-type nilpotent orbits. This construction is based on a general conjecture on the reduction by stages for the \(W\)-algebras using the hook-type \(W\)-algebras, which is explicitly proven for various examples in small-rank. It is shown that the affine coset subalgebras of hook-type \(W\)-algebras serve as the building blocks of the \(W\)-algebras. For the rational case, the building blocks for the simple quotients are determined by the minimal series of the regular \(W\)-algebras, while, in contrast, they are given in terms singlet-type extensions of \(W\)-algebras at collapsing levels which are irrational. Several conclusions of interest are drawn, such as the derivation of new sporadic isomorphisms between different \(W\)-algebras. The exceptional \(W\)-algebras are analyzed in detail, and a decomposition theorem for hook-type nilpotent orbits is obtained.