About derivations of lie algebra

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivations of the Lie algebra ##\mathfrak{sl}(2)##, exploring examples and properties of derivations within this context. Participants seek to understand the nature of derivations, particularly inner derivations, and the isomorphism between the Lie algebra and its derivations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a simple example of a derivation on ##\mathfrak{sl}(2)##, mentioning difficulties with the identity map.
  • Another participant asserts that for semisimple Lie algebras, all derivations are inner derivations, specifically of the form ##\delta = \operatorname{ad}(X)## for some ##X \in L##.
  • A later reply introduces the concept of the second Whitehead lemma and references literature by Humphreys regarding derivations.
  • One participant presents a specific derivation example using the matrix representation of ##\operatorname{ad}H##.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the isomorphism ##L \cong \operatorname{ad}L = \operatorname{Der}(L)## and requests an explanation of why this is the case.
  • A subsequent reply discusses the surjectivity of the transformation from ##L## to ##\operatorname{ad}L## and the need to show injectivity, leading to the conclusion that the kernel of ##\operatorname{ad}## is zero for semisimple Lie algebras.
  • Participants discuss the center of the Lie algebra and its implications for the structure of derivations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the derivations and the isomorphism, with some agreeing on the nature of inner derivations while others seek further clarification. The discussion remains unresolved on certain technical aspects, particularly concerning the isomorphism and the properties of the center of the Lie algebra.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for further clarification on the isomorphism and the properties of the kernel of the adjoint representation, as well as the specific examples of derivations that may not be fully explored.

HDB1
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TL;DR
Derivation on lie algebra ##sl_2##
Please, I am looking for a simple example of derivation on ##sl_2##, if possible, I try to use identity map, but not work with me,

A derivation of the Lie algebra ##\mathfrak{g}## is a linear map ##\delta: \mathfrak{g} \rightarrow \mathfrak{g}## such that ##\delta([x, y])=[\delta(x), y]+[x, \delta(y)]##, for all ##x## and ##y## in ##\mathfrak{g}##.Thanks in advance, :heart:
 
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dear @fresh_42 , if you could help, I would appreciate it, :heart:
 
HDB1 said:
TL;DR Summary: Derivation on lie algebra ##sl_2##

Please, I am looking for a simple example of derivation on ##sl_2##, if possible, I try to use identity map, but not work with me,

A derivation of the Lie algebra ##\mathfrak{g}## is a linear map ##\delta: \mathfrak{g} \rightarrow \mathfrak{g}## such that ##\delta([x, y])=[\delta(x), y]+[x, \delta(y)]##, for all ##x## and ##y## in ##\mathfrak{g}##.Thanks in advance, :heart:
Well, how should I say it?

For every semisimple Lie algebra ##L##, and ##\mathfrak{sl}(2)## is simple and therefore semisimple, all derivations are inner derivations. Inner derivations are all transformations ##\operatorname{ad}X## with ##X\in L.## This is the second Whitehead lemma IIRC and it should be somewhere in Humphreys, too.

So for semisimple Lie algebras, ##\delta =\operatorname{ad}(X)## for some ##X\in L.## Hence ##X \longmapsto (Y\longmapsto \operatorname{ad}(X)(Y)=[X,Y]## are already all derivations you can get for ##sl(2).## And since the center of ##L## which is the kernel of ##\operatorname{ad}## is zero, we even have
$$
L\cong \operatorname{ad}L =\operatorname{Der}(L)
$$
Derivations are basically the Leibniz rule in calculus:
$$
(f\cdot g)' = f' \cdot g+f\cdot g' \Leftrightarrow D(f\cdot g)=D(f)\cdot g+f\cdot D(g) \Leftrightarrow
\delta([f, g])=[\delta(f), g]+[f, \delta(g)]
$$
and the similarity is not by chance!

So if you need a derivation of ##\mathfrak{sl}(2)## then how about
$$
\operatorname{ad}H=\begin{pmatrix}2&0&0\\0&0&0\\0&0&-2\end{pmatrix}
$$
 
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fresh_42 said:
$$
L\cong \operatorname{ad}L =\operatorname{Der}(L)
$$
Thank you, please, could you explain here why we have isomorphism?

Thanks in advance,
 
HDB1 said:
Thank you, please, could you explain here why we have isomorphism?

Thanks in advance,
We have a surjective transformation ##L\longrightarrow \operatorname{ad}L=\{\operatorname{ad}X\,|\,X\in L\}## per definition. ##\operatorname{ad}## is linear and for the sake of the Jacobi identity also a Lie algebra homomorphism. So all that remains to show is that it is injective, or that ##\ker\operatorname{ad}(L)=\{0\}.## However,
\begin{align*}
\ker\operatorname{ad}(L)&=\{X\in L\,|\,\operatorname{ad}(X)\equiv 0\}=
\{X\in L\,|\,\operatorname{ad}(X)(Y)=0\text{ for all }Y\in L\}\\
&=\{X\in L\,|\,[X,Y]=0\text{ for all }Y\in L\}=Z(L)
\end{align*}

I used to write ##\mathfrak{Z}(L)## as the center of ##L##. I'm used to fraktura that leaves more letters for elements and ordinary sets and is a better distinction if also Lie groups are involved. I think Humphreys writes it ##\mathfrak{Z}(L)=Z(L)=C(L),## one of these.

Anyway, the center is an abelian ideal, hence a solvable ideal, hence contained in the maximal solvable ideal, which is the radical, but the radical of a semisimple Lie algebra is zero by definition of semisimplicity. The center of semisimple ideals is thus the zero ideal.
 
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Thank you so much for your help, @fresh_42 , words can't help me to express how grateful I am to you, :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart:
 

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