Computing the Frobenius-Schur indicator for Abelian extensions of Hopf algebras (Q1851343)

Let \(H\) be a finite-dimensional semisimple Hopf algebra over an algebraically closed field \(k\). Let \(\chi\) be the character of a simple \(H\)-module \(V\), and let \(\nu(\chi)\) be its Schur indicator. In the case where \(H\) is a cocentral Abelian extension an explicit formula is given for \(\nu(\chi)\). The computable formula is described in terms of the Hopf cocycle and its dual cocycle. After first considering the notion of a ``local indicator'', the authors show that the indicator is always positive for the Drinfeld double of the symmetric group. This is accomplished by showing that every simple \(D(S_n)\)-module has indicator equal to \(1\). This is true in general for \(D(G)\) when \(G\) is symmetric, (generalized) dihedral, a \(2\)-group, or a direct product of these groups. Furthermore, the authors provide conditions for when \(H=(kG)^*\#kL\) has the property that every simple \(H\)-module has indicator equal to \(1\). Finally, the authors look at the semisimple Hopf algebras of dimension 16. Such Hopf algebras were fully classified by \textit{Y. Kashina} [J. Algebra 232, No. 2, 617-663 (2000; Zbl 0969.16014)], however here the results on Schur indicators are shown to shorten the classification.