Three-vertex prime graphs and reality of trees

Abstract

We continue the study of prime simple modules for quantum affine algebras from the perspective of $q$-fatorization graphs. In this paper we establish several properties related to simple modules whose $q$-factorization graphs are afforded by trees. The two most important of them are proved for type $A$. The first completes the classification of the prime simple modules with three $q$-factors by giving a precise criterion for the primality of a $3$-vertex line which is not totally ordered. Using a very special case of this criterion, we then show that a simple module whose $q$-factorization graph is afforded by an arbitrary tree is real. Indeed, the proof of the latter works for all types, provided the aforementioned special case is settled in general.