Monster Lie algebra

In mathematics, the monster Lie algebra is an infinite dimensional generalized Kac–Moody algebra acted on by the monster group, which was used to prove the monstrous moonshine conjectures.

Structure

The monster Lie algebra m is a Z²-graded Lie algebra. The piece of degree (m,n) has dimension c_mn if (m,n) is nonzero, and dimension 2 if (m,n) is (0,0). The integers c_n are the coefficients of qⁿ of the j-invariant as elliptic modular function

$j(q) -744 = {1 \over q} + 196884 q + 21493760 q^2 + \cdots.$

The Cartan subalgebra is the 2-dimensional subspace of degree (0,0), so the monster Lie algebra has rank 2.

The monster Lie algebra has just one real simple root, given by the vector (1,-1), and the Weyl group has order 2, and acts by mapping (m,n) to (n,m). The imaginary simple roots are the vectors

(1,n) for n = 1,2,3,...,

and they have multiplicities c_n.

The denominator formula for the monster Lie algebra is the product formula for the j-invariant:

$j(p)-j(q) = \left({1 \over p} - {1 \over q}\right) \prod_{n,m=1}^{\infty}(1-p^n q^m)^{c_{nm}}.$

Construction

There are two ways to construct the monster Lie algebra. As it is a generalized Kac–Moody algebra whose simple roots are known, it can be defined by explicit generators and relations; however, this presentation does not give an action of the monster group on it.

It can also be constructed from the monster vertex algebra by using the no-ghost theorem of string theory. This construction is much harder, but has the advantage of proving that the monster group acts naturally on it.

References

• Richard Borcherds, "Vertex algebras, Kac-Moody algebras, and the Monster", Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 83 (1986) 3068-3071
• Igor Frenkel, James Lepowsky, Arne Meurman, "Vertex operator algebras and the Monster". Pure and Applied Mathematics, 134. Academic Press, Inc., Boston, MA, 1988. liv+508 pp. ISBN 0-12-267065-5
• Victor Kac, "Vertex algebras for beginners". University Lecture Series, 10. American Mathematical Society, 1998. viii+141 pp. ISBN 0-8218-0634-2
• R. W. Carter, "Lie Algebras of Finite and Affine Type", Cambridge Studies No. 96, 2005, ISBN 0521851386 (Introductory study text with a brief account of Borcherds algebra in Ch. 21)