Invariant theory and coefficient algebras of Lie algebras

Abstract

The coefficient algebra of a finite-dimensional Lie algebra on a finite-dimensional representation is defined as the subalgebra generated by all coefficients of the corresponding characteristic polynomial. We explore connections between classical invariant theory and the coefficient algebras of finite-dimensional complex Lie algebras on some representations. Specifically, we prove that with respect to any symmetric power of the standard representation: (a) the coefficient algebra of the upper triangular solvable complex Lie algebra is isomorphic to the ring of symmetric polynomials; (b) the coefficient algebra of the general linear complex Lie algebra is isomorphic to the invariant ring of the general linear group with the conjugacy action on the full space of matrices; and (c) the coefficient algebra of the special linear complex Lie algebra can be generated by classical trace functions. As an application, we determine the characteristic polynomial of the special linear complex Lie algebra on its standard representation.