Free Boson Representation of $U_q({\widehat{sl}}_3)$

Abstract

A representation of the quantum affine algebra $U_q({\widehat{sl}}_3)$ of an arbitrary level $k$ is constructed in the Fock module of eight boson fields. This realization reduces the Wakimoto representation in the $q\to 1$ limit. The analogues of the screening currents are also obtained. They commute with the action of $U_q({\widehat{sl}}_3)$ modulo total differences of some fields.

12 pages, LaTeX, RIMS-920, YITP/K-1017