The nil-blob algebra: an incarnation of type \(\tilde{A}_1\) Soergel calculus and of the truncated blob algebra (Q827037)

This paper brings together several areas in diagrammatic representation theory, in particular two areas which have been very prominent is recent years: KLR algebras and the diagrammatic Soergel category. The central object of study is a new algebra called the \textit{nil-blob algebra} \(\mathbb{NB}_n\). This has a presentation by generators and relations, which is a variation of the blob algebra introduced by \textit{P. Martin} and \textit{H. Saleur} [Lett. Math. Phys. 30, No. 3, 189--206 (1994; Zbl 0799.16005)]. Adding another generator which is central and has square equal to zero yields the \textit{extended nil-blob algebra} \(\widetilde{\mathbb{NB}}_n\). The first part of the paper is devoted to showing that \(\mathbb{NB}_n\) is a \textit{diagram algebra}; in other words, it has a basis consisting of simple diagrams of strings and dots, and multiplication is given by stacking diagrams and applying simplification rules. As a consequence, it is shown that \(\mathbb{NB}_n\) is cellular. In the next section of the paper (Section 3), the authors work with the diagrammatic Soergel category \(\mathcal D\) of \textit{B. Elias} and \textit{G. Williamson} [Represent. Theory 20, 295--374 (2016; Zbl 1427.20006)]. This is defined for any Coxeter system, but here attention is restricted to the infinite dihedral group. The authors define an algebra \(\tilde A_w\), where \(w\) is an element of length \(n\) in this group, as End\(_{\mathcal D}(\underline w)\). They show using diagram calculus that \(\tilde A_w\) is isomorphic to \(\widetilde{\mathbb{NB}}_{n-1}\), with a suitably defined subalgebra being isomorphic to \(\mathbb{NB}_{n-1}\). The authors then move into the setting of KLR algebras, motivated by the result of the second and third authors that the blob algebra \(\mathbb{B}_n\) can be realised as a quotient of a KLR algebra. The authors define an idempotent truncation \(\mathbb{B}_n(\mathbf{\lambda})\) for a weight \(\mathbf{\lambda}\) and show that \(\mathbb{B}_n(\mathbf{\lambda})\) is isomorphic to a nil-blob algebra or extended nil-blob algebra depending on whether \(\mathbf{\lambda}\) is singular or regular. Although no immediate applications are given, it is interesting to see how the same algebra can be realised in these three different ways, and this will likely be the basis of further research. The paper is very well written: although it is very long and involves a lot of diagram calculations, these are very well presented with nice clear diagrams (but the reader is strongly advised to read the paper in colour!). All the background theory is clearly set out, and this paper would serve as a good introduction to the subject.