Description
Book SynopsisLie algebras have many varied applications, both in mathematics and mathematical physics. This book provides a thorough but relaxed mathematical treatment of the subject, including both the Cartan-Killing-Weyl theory of finite dimensional simple algebras and the more modern theory of Kac-Moody algebras. Proofs are given in detail and the only prerequisite is a sound knowledge of linear algebra. The first half of the book deals with classification of the finite dimensional simple Lie algebras and of their finite dimensional irreducible representations. The second half introduces the theory of Kac-Moody algebras, concentrating particularly on those of affine type. A brief account of Borcherds algebras is also included. An Appendix gives a summary of the basic properties of each Lie algebra of finite and affine type.
Trade Review"This monograph provides a crystal clear exposition of the theory of finite-dimensional simple Lie algebras and a nice introduction to (infinite-dimensional) Kac - Moody algebras of affine type. Also, an excellent course on Lie algebras could be constructed starting from the book." Daniel Beltita, Institute of Mathematics, Romanian Academy, SIAM Review
Table of Contents1. Basic concepts; 2. Representations of soluble and nilpotent Lie algebras; 3. Cartan subalgebras; 4. The Cartan decomposition; 5. The root systems and the Weyl group; 6. The Cartan matrix and the Dynkin diagram; 7. The existence and uniqueness theorems; 8. The simple Lie algebras; 9. Some universal constructions; 10. Irreducible modules for semisimple Lie algebras; 11. Further properties of the universal enveloping algebra; 12. Character and dimension formulae; 13. Fundamental modules for simple Lie algebras; 14. Generalized Cartan matrices and Kac-Moody algebras; 15. The classification of generalised Cartan matrices; 16 The invariant form, root system and Weyl group; 17. Kac-Moody algebras of affine type; 18. Realisations of affine Kac-Moody algebras; 19. Some representations of symmetrisable Kac-Moody algebras; 20. Representations of affine Kac-Moody algebras; 21. Borcherds Lie algebras; Appendix.
