Formal character of a weight module Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-24
For a module with finite-dimensional weight spaces, its formal character is in the completed group algebra of the weight lattice.
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2025 iii Paper 102 5 a Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-24
The weight lattice isFor each root , restrict to the subalgebraIf , the classification shows that the -eigenvalue is an integer. Hence .
The same classification makes every -string symmetric underand preserves weight multiplicity. Since the Weyl group is generated by these simple reflections,
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2026 iii Paper 102 3 i Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-24
After ordering a symplectic basis in two blocks, writeMatrices in the Symplectic Lie algebra have block formThe root-space decomposition isFor example, these one-dimensional spaces are spanned respectively byThus this is the Cn root systemThe upper-triangular choice givesIts simple roots, highest root, fundamental weights, and half-sum of positive roots are
Using the notation requested in the paper, the root lattice and weight lattice areso . This reverses the common notation in which the root lattice is called and the weight lattice is called .
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2026 iii Paper 102 5 Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-24
Use the B2 root system conventionThus is the five-dimensional vector representation of the Special orthogonal Lie algebra . Label its weight verticesThe crystal basis is the colored chainbecause each Kashiwara operator subtracts .
For the tensor product of crystals, write for . The complete colored-arrow graph is compactly specified byIts three connected highest-weight components start at , , and . Their vertex sets areTheir highest weights and dimensions identify the ten-vertex component with the exterior square and the other two with the symmetric square. Thereforeof dimensions and , respectively.
Every weight of lies in the root lattice, so every weight of every tensor power also lies in that lattice. But represents the nonzero coset in the quotient of the weight lattice by the root lattice. Consequently no irreducible constituent of can have highest weight , and never occurs.
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2026 iii Paper 302 4 d Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-24
The fundamental weights satisfy . Since and , solving givesThe full B2 root system isThe weight lattice is generated by ; geometrically it consists of the integer lattice together with the translate in which both coordinates are half-integers.