nLab Drinfeld-Kohno Lie algebra

Let n>2n\gt 2. The Drinfel’d-Kohno Lie algebra is a Z\mathbf{Z}-algebra L nL_n defined by generators t ij=t jit_{ij} = t_{ji}, 1≤i≠j≤n1\leq i\neq j\leq n subject to the relations

[t ij,t kl]=0,[t ij,t ik+t jk]=0,1≤i≠j≠k≠l≤n [t_{ij}, t_{kl}] = 0, \,\,\,[t_{ij}, t_{ik}+t_{jk}] = 0, \,\,\,\,\,1\leq i\neq j\neq k\neq l\leq n

It is the holonomy Lie algebra of the configuration space X nX_n of nn distincts points in the complex plane. Hence, it can be used to define a flat connection on X nX_n, which is universal among Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov equations.

Therefore, it induces a monodromy representation of π 1(X n)\pi_1(X_n) which is isomorphic to the pure braid group:

PB n⟶exp(L n⊗C) PB_n \longrightarrow \exp(L_n \otimes \mathbf{C})

It was shown by Kohno that the extension of this map to the C\mathbf{C}-pro-unipotent completion of PB nPB_n is an isomorphism. Drinfeld showed using associators that the same holds true over Q\mathbf{Q}.

In particular, U(L n⊗Q)U(L_n \otimes \mathbf{Q}) is isomorphic to the associated graded of Q[PB n]\mathbf{Q}[PB_n] with respect to the filtration induced by powers of the augmentation ideal. Since it is known that this filtration coincides with the one induced by the Vassiliev skein relation, U(L n⊗Q)U(L_n \otimes \mathbf{Q}) may be identified with the algebra of horizontal chord diagrams.

The universal enveloping U(L n)⊗QU(L_n)\otimes \mathbf{Q} is a Koszul algebra.

Cf. Drinfeld-Kohno theorem

Last revised on September 13, 2012 at 22:01:14. See the history of this page for a list of all contributions to it.