nLab universal central extension

Contents

Context

Algebra

Group Theory

Contents

Definition

For any algebraic object, such as an associative algebra, group, Lie algebra, etc. such that there is a notion of central extension, the universal central extension is, if it exists, the initial object in the category of central extensions of that object.

Examples

For GG a discrete group which is perfect, the universal central extension of GG is the essentially unique group KK that is a Schur covering group? of GG.

Properties

  • The universal central extension of a perfect group is also perfect.

  • The universal central extension of a perfect group is a Schur-trivial group, and hence a superperfect group (superperfect means that it’s perfect and Schur-trivial).

  • The universal central extension operator is idempotent, i.e., the universal central extension of the universal central extension is the universal central extension. This follows directly from the universal central extension being a Schur-trivial group.

References

General

Discussion in semi-abelian categories:

  • Jose Casas, Tim Van der Linden, A relative theory of universal central extensions (arXiv:0908.3762)

For discrete groups

For Lie groups

For super Lie algebras

For super Lie algebras

  • Erhard Neher, An introduction to universal central extensions of Lie superalgebras (pdf)

Last revised on September 2, 2021 at 08:40:09. See the history of this page for a list of all contributions to it.