On the adjoint representation of ${\mathfrak{sl}}_n$ and the Fibonacci numbers

Abstract

We decompose the adjoint representation of ${\mathfrak{sl}}_{r+1}={\mathfrak{sl}}_{r+1}(\mathbb{C})$ by a purely combinatorial approach based on the introduction of a certain subset of the Weyl group called the \emph{Weyl alternation set} associated to a pair of dominant integral weights. The cardinality of the Weyl alternation set associated to the highest root and zero weight of ${\mathfrak{sl}}_{r+1}$ is given by the $r^{th}$ Fibonacci number. We then obtain the exponents of ${\mathfrak{sl}}_{r+1}$ from this point of view.

9 pages