Almost Commutative Terwilliger Algebras II: Strong Gelfand Pairs

Abstract

Terwilliger algebras are a subalgebra of a matrix algebra constructed from an association scheme. In 2010, Tanaka defined what it means for a Terwilliger algebra to be almost commutative and gave five equivalent conditions for a Terwilliger algebra to be almost commutative. In this paper we look at Terwilliger algebras coming from strong Gelfand pairs $(G,H)$ for a finite group $G$. From such a pair, one can create a Terwilliger algebra using the Schur ring of $H-$classes of elements of $G$. We determine all strong Gelfand pairs that give an Almost Commutative Terwilliger algebra.